Winston Peters on the state of the world and realism over ‘megaphone’ idealism

An independent foreign policy is not just loudly disagreeing with the United States, Winston Peters says in a speech on the “order-shattering character of our times”.

In a speech at Parliament to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs – his last as Foreign Minister this term – Peters also suggested that quiet diplomacy rather than reacting with a megaphone was more helpful for long-term gain.

Underlying this was a principle of realism rather than idealism, taking the world as it is rather than “what we wish it would be”.

“We have, after forensically analysing New Zealand’s strengths and weaknesses, been cautious when facing our most complex situations and relationships.

“We have received criticism for our response from time to time, but our responsibility as stewards of foreign policy is to see through the ravages of any given moment to better position New Zealand for when calmer times return.”