Social Studies SEQ
CHAPTER 6: Deterrence & Diplomacy
How far was the competition over land the most serious conflict among countries? Explain your answer.
Competition over land is one of the most serious conflicts among countries. Control over certain tracts of land can mean a lot to a country especially if the land is important for its defence and national pride.
Sometimes, countries may try to extend their control by taking over territories that do not belong to them. Thereby, conflict over border may result. In 1947, when India gained independence from Britain, it inherited frontier drawn by British. China, however, protested it had not agreed to the frontier. Clear demarcation between India and China is not easy as a large part of frontier lies in Himalayas which cannot be easily reached. Aksai Chin plateau and North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) became areas of conflict. In late 1950s, China contest India’s presence in several localities along the frontier. The Chinese were unwilling to negotiate seriously over the matter and did not want to commit themselves to a definite boundary. In 1958, China announced that it had built a road on Aksai Chin plateau. Indian government protested and argued that the road violated its territorial rights. China, however argued that the border was not fixed. India in turn claimed its border with China was clearly defined. In 1959, tension between them worsened when fighting broke out in NEFA and Aksai Chin plateau. In 1962, war broke out between China and India. It ended as quickly as it started. Thus, since some lands are regarded to be important to the country and if another country challenges the ownership of the land, conflicts may break out.
Other than competition over land, conflict over scarce resources and ideological differences are also serious conflict among nations. Natural
resources of world are unequally distributed and those will less resources may use force to gain more, especially if resources are essential for survival and growth. In 1970s, Iceland and Britain were in conflict over fishing grounds. Fishermen from other countries such as Belgium, Germany and Britain were overfishing around Iceland. Fish stocks around Iceland decreased in 1970s. Iceland sought help from the United Nations. In 1975, Iceland extended its zone of control over fishing ground from 50 miles to 200 miles. Britain
however refused to acknowledge the new boundary. Iceland cut its diplomatic ties with Britain in February 1976. Ties with conditions were restored in June 1976. As seen, conflicts may arise when countries like Iceland feel that its national interest was threatened, especially since it has few natural resources and depended on fishing industry for survival.
Ideological differences may be another serious conflict among nations. Countries pursuing different ideologies can come into conflict if they see that their ideological beliefs are threatened. North Korea and South Korea fought a war as they believed in different ideologies. North Korea believed in
communism while South Korea believed in Democracy. Korea was occupied by Japan before World War 2. In 1945, Japanese soldiers left Korea after defeat. Korea was divided into two halves at 38th Parallel. Northern part was
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occupied by The Soviet Union (USSR) while southern part by USA. The UN called for election in 1947 to establish a single government to reunite Korea. The USSR refused the election and installed a communist regime in the north, known as Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In 1948, independent Republic of Korea was formed with support of USA. North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950 to reunited Korean Peninsula under communism. Fearing that North Korea would spread communist ideology to South, USA, allies and UN defended South Korea. North Korean and Chinese forces were pushed back to 38th parallel line. In 1951, China feared that its national
interest would be threatened by being invaded by UN forces. So they joined the war and aided North Korea in pushing troops back to South Korea. In August 1953, agreement to stop fighting and demilitarized zone was set up. As seen, when a country wants to spread its ideological beliefs to other countries, it might do so by force. This result in conflicts among nations. In conclusion, the most serious conflict is competition over scarce resources. When compared to conflict over territory or land, competition over scarce resources is more important as resources would affect the livelihood of citizens in the country since it is necessary for survival. Instead, for some countries, land may be abundant. When comparing conflict over scarce resources and conflict over ideological differences, conflict over scarce resource would not be easier to negotiate compared to conflict over
‘The most effective way in which Singapore can maintain her national security is through national service.’ Do you agree? N level 2006
Singapore maintains her national security through a few deterrence strategies. National service, Total Defence and Multi-agency coordination on security are effective ways in maintaining national security.
National service comprises of 3 aspects. Citizen armed force, 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces and Singapore’s defence industry. Citizen armed force is formed as Singapore could not afford a large
professional army in 1965. The population was less than 2 million and they were needed in the workforce to develop the economy and manpower was limited. In 1967, National Service (NS) was introduced and all able-bodied male citizens were called up to serve full-time NS. Singaporeans learn to defend country, stay bonded and develop sense of patriotism. Upon
completion of full time NS, men would serve as Operationally Ready NS men for 10 years and undergo and attend refresher courses. As for 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces, it is important that the SAF consistently enhances its capabilities and reviews method of warfare through research and
development. SAF started project with research institutes of Ministry of Defence and local universities to develop 3rd Generation SAF. 3rd Generation SAF works towards maximizing defensive capabilities through modern
technology and equips soldiers to fight decisively during peacetime. 3rd Generation SAF aims to provide early intelligence which would destroy the enemy even before they can locate us. For an army to develop into effective fighting force, it needs the latest technology and equipment. Singapore defence industry was started in 1967 when the Chartered Industries of
Singapore (CIS) was established to produce small arms ammunition. CIS now developed into successful defence company with companies such as
SembCorp Industries and SembCorp Logistics. The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) was formed in 2000 to provide cost-effective and modern technology to SAF and Ministry of Defence. It buys and upgrades weapons as well as develop new weapon system for SAF’s use. The defence industry improves capability and effectiveness of SAF and enabled Singapore to develop a powerful defence force. Thus with all these 3 aspects, Singapore maintains her national security as national service protects Singapore from any external threat as it is capable to destroying the enemy before they can even locate us.
Another way Singapore protects its national identity is through Total Defence. Total Defence was introduced in 1984 to involve everyone in defence of country. It comprises of five aspects: Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological defence. Potential aggressors will think twice about attacking Singapore as they know they will have to face the entire nation, not just the Armed Forces. Total Defence provides a comprehensive and
integrated response to all kinds of threats and challenges. Psychological defence is the sense of commitment towards our country and confidence in its future. Economic defence is the ability of our business and industry to
continue functioning during emergencies. Social defence is the ability of all
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Singaporeans to live together harmoniously. Civil defence is the ability to safeguard the lives and properties of our civilians during emergencies. Military defence is the ability of the armed forces to withstand aggression. The 5 aspects of total defence thereby prepare Singaporean in time of aggression and prevent it from happening as aggressors know they have to face the whole Singapore. It thus is an effective way in ensuring national security. Another effective way is multi-agency coordination on security. The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) was set up to coordinate work of Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The close networking and coordination among the various ministries further strengthen and enhance Singapore’s national security. NSCS meets regularly to plan national security strategies and policies. It works together with commercial and private parties to effectively combat any form of major terror threats. The integrated security approach is to prevent, protect and effectively respond to any security threats by sharing intelligence and
resources. Due to the close coordination among the ministries and the regular planning of strategies, Singapore experiences national security
In conclusion, the most effective way Singapore can maintain national security is through total defence. When compared to national service, total defence involves the whole Singapore, working together to threaten
Which of the following do you think is most important for Singapore?
- Bilateral relations
- Regional relations
- International relations Explain your answer.
Bilateral, regional and international relations are important to Singapore.
Bilateral relations is important. When a country establishes diplomatic relations with another country, a bilateral relationship is formed. Singapore has been actively involved in expanding bilateral relationships with many countries since its independence. Bilateral relationships benefited Singapore in many ways, In 1970s, Japan, USA and Germany establishes trading relationships with Singapore. The partnerships allowed Singapore to acquire advanced technological skills from developed countries. Singapore was also able to further promote political, economic and cultural ties with Malaysia and Indonesia. As a result, Singapore was able to speed up economic and social development. Singapore is also willing to help friends in need. Doctors, nurses and teachers were sent to Vietnam and Nepal. In 2004, Singapore sent humanitarian aid to Aceh, Indonesia. Singapore Red Cross provided medicine, first aid, food parcels, water and other relief supplies to homeless victims. Ambulances with medical supplies and equipment were also sent. Singapore’s bilateral relations helped it gain world recognition and respect. It is important to maintain the bilateral relations as we are able to benefit socially, economically and politically from our partner countries.
Regional relations is also critical to Singapore. Countries establish regional relations by forming an association of countries in a region.
Singapore is a founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), formed in 1967. Founding members were also Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. There are now 10 members in the ASEAN. ASEAN was formed as Southeast Asian region was going through economic, political and security challenges inside and outside their borders in 1960s. Faced with all these disputes, Southeast Asian political leaders saw the need for a
regional organization to maintain stability and build trust. The 3 main aims of ASEAN are: 1.promote economic, social and cultural development of the region, 2.Protect peace and stability of region, 3.Provide opportunities for member countries to discuss and resolve differences peacefully. ASEAN was of great importance to Singapore because of ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) which aims to remove import taxes among SEA countries so as to form large production base to counter stiff competition from economic giants like China. Also, there is ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) created to maintain peaceful relations with countries in Asia-Pacific. Singapore on the other hand, contributes to ASEAN by providing educational and professional exchange such as Singapore giving technical training to 1700 officials from Laos and ASEAN Scholarships are given. Singapore provides economic cooperation
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and assistance in 2000, by launching Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) project in which Singapore offered five-year aid package of S$80 million to selected member countries. Singapore assisted Indonesia in getting rid of forest fire by allowing all ASEAN countries to have access to data from ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre in Singapore. Thus, with the great benefits of social and economic stability in the region and at the same time able to reach to neighboring countries, regional relations are important. Being in a regional organization makes Singapore stronger and better able to deal with other countries and groupings.
International relations is also important to Singapore. The UN is an international organization that represents all countries in the world. The aims of the UN is to promote world peace, have friendly relations among nations, provide international cooperation to solve international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems. UN promotes respect for human rights, basic freedom for people of all races, religions and gender. Singapore has been a member of the UN since 1965. Benefits of membership includes gaining recognition as an independent country by the UN and to receive help and advice by UN experts on social and economic development. An economic expert from UN, Dr Albert, was sent by the UN to help Singapore in its
economic planning and development. Singapore has also been actively involved in the events organized by UN. From 1980 to 1982, Prof Tommy Koh was the President of the Third UN Conference on the Law of Sea. The
conference was organized to decide on the sea rights each country has. Singapore was also a non-permanent Security Council member in 2001 and 2002. Singapore has sent over 400 police, SAF and civil officers in UN peacekeeping missions to various countries. As seen, UN promotes friendly relations among countries and international cooperation and thus international relations is important to Singapore.
In conclusion, the most important relations is regional relations. When compared to bilateral relations, regional relations allows communication and diplomatic relations with many surrounding countries, instead of just one particular country. When compared to international relations, regional
