Seychelles’ “Friend of All” Strategy Could Make It a Global Peace Broker

Ahmed Riaz

3 hours ago

Seychelles continues to embody its “friend of all, enemy of none” philosophy, balancing relations with global powers like that United States, Russiaetc China. As geopolitical tensions rise, the island nation emerges as a unique hub for diplomacy, tourism, and potential peace dialogue.

In an era defined by geopolitical tension, shifting alliances, and renewed great-power rivalry, the Republic of Seychelles offers a strikingly consistent and increasingly relevant philosophy: “friend of all, enemy of none.”

This doctrine, articulated years ago by Seychelles’ founding President Sir James Richard Marie Mancham and used over many years by former minister of tourism and now ambassador-at-large Alain St. Ange, has evolved from a diplomatic slogan into a strategic identity. Today, as conflicts deepen and global divisions sharpen, Seychelles’ approach may represent more than idealism; it may offer a practical framework for engagement, mediation, and coexistence.

Sir Mancham on high plateau of global peace making

Seychelles founding President James R.

A Small Nation with a Global Mindset

Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1976, Seychelles has cultivated diplomatic relations across ideological lines. From the outset, it maintained ties with both Western and Eastern blocs—including the United States, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), and China.

This balanced approach was not accidental. As a small island developing state, Seychelles recognized early that its strength lies not in choosing sides, but in building bridges.

Today, that philosophy continues under President Patrick Herminie, whose administration has reinforced Seychelles’ role as a cooperative and neutral partner on the global stage.

Tourism as Diplomacy: Building Bridges Through Experience

Tourism is not just an economic pillar in Seychelles—it is a soft power engine.

The country welcomes visitors from across geopolitical divides, who enjoy holidays as friends thousands of km away from where the same people may be seen as enemies.

Russians and Ukrainians
Israelis and Emiratis
Chinese and Americans
Germans, French, Belgium, Italians, British, Canadians, Africans, and many more

What makes Seychelles unique is not just that these travelers arrive—but that they coexist peacefully in the same spacessharing beaches, hotels, and experiences without tension.

This reality underscores a powerful idea:

People-to-people interaction can succeed where politics often fails.

Recent remarks by Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein, following her visit to Moscow and Saint Petersburg last week, highlight this principle:

Tourism is a relationship-driven industry… strengthening partnerships and building resilience through dialogue.

Her visit, alongside Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, included high-level engagement with Vladimir Putin—a signal that tourism diplomacy and state diplomacy are increasingly intertwined.

Seychelles “Friend of All” Strategy: A Blueprint for Neutral Diplomacy in a Divided World

Seychelles and Russia: Engagement Without Alignment

The recent Seychelles delegation to Russia reflects Seychelles’ broader strategy: to engage, but not to align exclusively.

According to an article published in Modern Diplomacy, Seychelles continues to deepen cooperation with Russia in the tourism and economic sectors, even as it maintains strong ties with Western nations.

This dual-track diplomacy is not contradictory—it is an intentional balance.

Relations with the United States: Security and Sustainability

Seychelles’ relationship with the United States remains robust and multifaceted:

The US reopened its embassy in Victoria in 2023
Cooperation focuses on maritime security and counter-trafficking
Training programs support the local coast guard and police forces
Trade is expanding, particularly in fisheries and aviation components

This partnership demonstrates Seychelles’ ability to work closely with Western powers while maintaining independence in foreign policy decisions.

Strategic Alignment with China: Stability and Development

Seychelles has also reaffirmed its support for China’s territorial framework, including the One China Policy.

At a diplomatic event hosted by the Chinese Embassy at the Eden Bleu Hotel in Seychelles, former Minister Devika Vidot stated:

We recognize and respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity… and will continue working closely to promote peace and stability.

This position aligns Seychelles with Beijing on key geopolitical principles while maintaining its broader non-aligned stance.

Aviation and Connectivity: Expanding Global Access

Air Seychelles is playing a critical role in reinforcing the country’s global connectivity strategy. Due to the Iran crisis, Air Seychelles was quickly to rearrange direct air links to support the islands’ essential industry: tourism. Recent route expansions established and re-established include:

Tel Aviv
Abu Dhabi
Istanbul
Paris
Rome

These connections are more than logistical—they are symbolic bridges between regions that do not always see eye to eye politically.

A Rare Neutral Ground: Could Seychelles Host Peace Talks?

One of the most compelling implications of Seychelles’ positioning is its potential role as a mediator. Consider the current geopolitical climate involving Ukraine and Russia. Neutral venues for dialogue are scarce—and often politically loaded.

Seychelles may just be able to enable tourism to become what is long established among leaders in the travel and tourism industry, an industry of peace.

Seychelles offers:

Geographical neutrality (far removed from conflict zones)
Diplomatic balance (relations with all major players)
Symbolic peace environment (a destination associated with harmony)
Proven coexistence (citizens of opposing nations vacation side by side)

While not yet formally proposed, Seychelles could realistically emerge as a credible venue for informal or backchannel diplomacy.

The Power of Quiet Diplomacy

Seychelles is not a loud actor in global politics. It does not dominate headlines or dictate international agendas. Instead, it practices what might be called “quiet diplomacy”:

Engaging all sides without confrontation
Supporting international norms selectively but consistently
Leveraging tourism and culture as tools of connection
Avoiding entanglement in ideological conflicts

This subtle approach may be precisely what the world needs more of.

Lessons from Seychelles in a Fragmented World

Seychelles’ enduring philosophy offers several key lessons:

1. Neutrality Can Be Strategic

Remaining neutral does not mean being passive—it can mean being accessible to all parties.

2. Soft Power Matters

Tourism, culture, and personal interaction can build trust where politics cannot.

3. Small States Can Lead

Influence is not solely determined by size or military power; credibility and consistency matter.

4. Balance Is Sustainable

Maintaining relationships across competing powers is difficult—but possible with clarity and discipline.

Seychelles: A Model Worth Watching

In a world increasingly defined by division, Seychelles stands out as a rare example of diplomatic equilibrium.

Seychelles Travel – Official Tourism Website of the Seychelles

Be inspired. Experience all that the Seychelles Islands has to offer from our pristine waters, to our exquisite flora and fauna.

Its commitment to being a “friend of all and enemy of none” is no longer just a national slogan—it is a potential model for global engagement in the 21st century.

Whether through tourism, diplomacy, or quiet mediation, Seychelles demonstrates that even the smallest nations can play a meaningful role in shaping a more cooperative and peaceful world.

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