Theme 3: Managing International Relations Sample Essay 1: Causes of conflicts among nations Key focus for questions examining on Causes of conflicts among nations: You will need to explain how the different factors caused unhappiness between the two countries. An explanation of the principles would require you to show how the unhappiness led to conflict due to the outbreak of violence. Eg: One example of a conflict among nations is over territory such as the conflict between India and China over Aksai Chin Plateau and NEFA. India gained the frontier/border drawn by the British when it gained independence in 1947. China refused to accept India s rights to the frontier. It was difficult to have a clear border between India and China as much of the border territories lie in the tall mountains of the Himalayas. In 1959, there were clashes between India and China over Aksai Chin and NEFA. By 1961, China had occupied even more territories that India regarded as theirs. India demanded the return of these territories but China refused. As a result, war broke out between India and China in 1962. From this example it can be seen that, countries fight over territories for national pride, defence and security and economic development of the country. Another reason why conflicts occur between nations is because of ideological difference. An example will be the Korean War of 1950. After WWII, Korea was divided into 2 halves at the 38 th parallel. Northern part of Korea was temporarily occupied by communist USSR, a superpower that arose after WWII. Southern part of Korea was occupied by democratic USA, the other superpower after WWII. UN called for an election in 1947 to unite the 2 Koreas under a single government. USSR was not in favour of this one Korea and set up a communist state in the north called the Democratic People s Republic of Korea in the north. In 1948, South Korea formed the Republic of Korea in the south with the support of the USA. When the foreign troops left Korea, there were a number of border clashes between the 2 governments for control of the Korean Peninsula. In June 1950, North Korea crossed the 38 th parallel to invade South Korea in an attempt to unite the Korean Peninsula under communist rule. USA and its allies and the UN helped defend South Korea and pushed the North Koreans back to the 38 th parallel up to the Yalu River which was close to the Chinese border. In 1951, China supported North Korea and pushed the UN troops back into South Korea. This is because USA was worried that if North Korea succeeded in taking over South Korea, it would destroy democracy, the ideology followed by the USA and South Korea. On the other hand, China was worried that if North Korea was defeated by the democratic parties, China s national interest and communism would be threatened. From this conflict it can be seen that countries do fight over ideological differences as countries the different beliefs or ideologies will shape a country s national pride and way of life. Hence countries may get into conflict when they feel that their beliefs or ideology are being threatened. A last reason for conflict among nations would be over scarce resources. An example will be the conflict between Iceland and Britain over fishing grounds. Iceland has few natural resources. Depended on fishing industry for survival. 79% of Iceland s Prepared by Mrs Elsa Khoo 1 June 2016
total export consists of fresh fish and fish products. Fishermen from other European countries like Germany, Belgium and Britain started to fish in the seas surrounding Iceland. AS a result, Iceland s fishing industry faced competition and fish stocks started to decrease around Iceland in the 1970s and this affected the Iceland s fishing industry and threatened Iceland s economic survival. Iceland approached the United Nations for help but UN slow to act. Thus, under the Law of the Sea, Iceland decided to extend its fishing zone from 50 nm to 200 nm beyond its shore. No country is allowed to fish in this zone without Iceland s permission. Britain was the only country that refused to recognize Iceland s new fishing boundary and continued to fish in this area without permission. As a result, Icelandic Coast Guards and British frigates sent to protect the British trawlers had a number of clashes causing tension between the 2 countries. Iceland cut diplomatic ties with Britain in Feb 1976 signaling conflict between the two countries. From this conflict it can be seen that when natural resources are not evenly distributed, some countries with less resources might use force to gain more for survival and economic growth or they might have to use force to protect whatever resources they have. Prepared by Mrs Elsa Khoo 2 June 2016
Sample Essay 2: Deterrence Key focus for questions examining on deterrence: You will need to explain how the different factors work to cause potential aggressors to think twice before attacking Singapore. An explanation of the factors would require you to discuss how the factors will work to make Singapore stronger, such that the enemies will not want to attack us because they know they will suffer heavy losses. Multi-agency coordination on security is one important deterrent factor adopted by Singapore to ensure peace. It can help to deter aggression and ensure national security. This integrated security approach prevents, protects and effectively responds to any security threats by sharing intelligence and resources. For example, the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) coordinates the work of various government agencies involved in ensuring the national security of Singapore. They meet regularly to plan national security strategies and policies. They also work together with commercial and private parties to combat any form of major terror threats. Therefore, multi-agency coordination on security is important to ensure peace in Singapore. because this close coordination and networking will allow Singapore to respond quickly in deploying manpower and resources in the event of any potential hostile or terrorist attack. As a result, the various agencies will be able to identify and get rid of any potential threats before the aggressors can take any action to harm Singapore. One of the deterrent measures adopted by the government to ensure peace in Singapore is to have a citizen armed force. For example, all able-bodied male citizens are enlisted to serve 2 years of National Service (NS). After NS, male citizens become Operationally Ready NS men and go through 10 years of reservist training, undergoing refresher training to learn new tactical skills and in handling new equipment and weapons so that they will be ready to serve together with the Full-time NS men and regulars in times of need. Therefore, having a citizen armed force ensures peace in Singapore because Singapore will have a sizeable army equipped with relevant military skills and upgraded capabilities which prepares them to face any military threats and be capable of inflicting severe military consequences on any aggressor. As a result, potential aggressors will think twice before attacking Singapore as they will be aware that it is ever ready and fully capable of defending itself. Another deterrent measures adopted by the government to ensure peace in Singapore is to have a 3rd Generation SAF. The 3rd Generation SAF works towards maximizing defensive capabilities of the SAF through modern technology as warfare is now more complex with advances in ICT. For example, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) started a project with the research institutes of the Ministry of Defence & local universities to develop the 3rd Generation SAF. It aims to create an intelligent defence force where surveillance and strike systems of Air Force, Navy and Army operate together to provide early intelligence on enemy. Therefore, having a 3rd Generation SAF ensures peace in Singapore because it increases the capabilities & effectiveness of the SAF. They can fight decisively in wars and respond more Prepared by Mrs Elsa Khoo 3 June 2016
flexibly during peacetime. As a result, potential aggressors may think twice about attacking Singapore as they will not be able to defeat Singapore easily. Total Defence is another deterrent measures adopted by the government to ensure peace in Singapore. To successfully defend a country, military defence alone is not sufficient. Everyone is vital and has to be involved in the defence of Singapore Total defence involves the five aspects of military, civil, economic, social and psychological Defence. For example, during the Hotel New World collapse in 1986, civilian volunteers worked with SCDF in rescue efforts. Therefore, having Total Defence ensures peace in Singapore because it shows potential aggressors that all Singaporeans are fully prepared and ready for defence in all areas. As a result, potential aggressors may think twice about attacking Singapore as they will not be able to target any weaknesses in our defence. One other deterrent measures that the Singapore government adopted to ensure peace and national security is to have Singapore s defence industry. Singapore s defence industry enables SAF to be self-reliant in essential defence weapons and equipment. One example is the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) which focuses on buying and upgrading weapons as well as developing new weapon systems for the SAF s use. Therefore, having Singapore s defence industry ensures peace in Singapore because this helps provide Singapore the latest technology and equipment to develop into an effective fighting force. As a result, Singapore as developed a powerful defence force and this is a sign that Singapore will well prepared to defend itself against potential enemies. One last deterrent measures adopted by the government to ensure peace in Singapore is to have military co-operation with other countries. This approach to deterrence by the Singaporean government can help to deter aggression and ensure national security. Singapore actively fosters friendly ties with the armed forces of other countries by signing military agreements, and conducting joint military exercises and training with the military of other countries. For example, military agreements with New Zealand, Australia and India, allow Singapore troops to train in their countries. Singapore is also involved in multi-lateral military agreements and exercises with other countries such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). Therefore, having military co-operation with other countries security ensures peace in Singapore because it will ensure that the SAF is well-trained and able to exchange and learn new fighting tactics from other countries so that it will be more capable and effective in defending Singapore. In addition, Singapore s allies would also come to her aid if it is attacked. As a result, potential enemies may think twice about attacking Singapore as they are not able to defeat Singapore easily. Prepared by Mrs Elsa Khoo 4 June 2016
Sample Essay 3: Diplomacy Key focus for questions examining on Diplomacy: You will need to explain how the different factors helped Singapore to maintain a strong friendship with other nations. An explanation of the principles would require you to show how these strong friendship with other nations work to ensure that Singapore stays free from potential conflicts and attacks from others. Eg: Bilateral relationship is when a country establishes diplomatic relations with other countries. Singapore has been actively doing it since its independence. For instance, Japan, the USA and Germany establish trading relations with Singapore. These partnerships allow Singapore to acquire advanced technological skills from these developed countries. Doctors, nurses and teachers were sent to countries such as Vietnam and Nepal. In 2004 Singapore sent humanitarian aid to Aceh when it was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami. Singapore s Red Cross provided medicine, first aid, food parcels, water and other relief supplies to the homeless victims. At the request of Indonesia Red Cross, ambulances with medical supplies and equipment were also sent. With bilateral relations Singapore was able to further promote political, economic and cultural ties with other countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Besides it has also helped Singapore to gain world recognition and respect. With the help that Singapore has rendered, in times of crisis, other countries will also be willing to give a helping hand and if there are disagreements, countries will be able to negotiate peacefully instead of going to war. Therefore, bilateral relation is a good diplomatic strategy that enables Singapore to manage peace and security. Regional relation is established by forming an association of countries in a region. By doing this, the association become stronger therefore it will be in a better position when dealing with other countries or associations. An example is the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN was formed due to countries having difficulties with their neighbouring countries so as to maintain stability and build trust among the countries. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was created in 1994 to maintain peace by promoting political and security dialogue and cooperation among countries in the Asia Pacific region. ASEAN aims to provide an avenue for countries in the region to discuss security issues and resolve conflicts peacefully. One of Singapore s contribution to ASEAN s technical knowledge and expertise to member countries. Scholarships offered without any bond and allow students from any of the other ASEAN countries to study courses offered in local universities excluding medicine. Economic cooperation and assistance is to help narrow the economic gap between member countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam. Singapore offered a fiveyear aid package over S$80 million to selected member countries. To tackle the haze problem, Singapore assisted Indonesia in monitoring of forest fires through the use of satellite images. ASEAN provided Singapore with many opportunities to strengthen its relationship with its neighbours. This projected Singapore as a country that is willing to help others who are in need and this helped to promote diplomatic ties. Through collaboration of ASEAN, countries will be able to negotiate peacefully should a conflict arise and at the same time they can help one another. This will eschew armed conflict from occurring. Therefore, regional Prepared by Mrs Elsa Khoo 5 June 2016
relation is a good diplomatic strategy that enables Singapore to manage peace and security. Another strategy to ensure Singapore s peace and security is international relations. International relations involve ties among many countries and groupings throughout the world. UN was formed to preserve world peace and prevent another major war. The membership in UN allows Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state. When Singapore became a member, the UN helped Singapore by sending experts to advise and help in the economic and social development of the country. Singapore participates and contributes to activities and events organized by the UN. UN Law of the Sea Conference defines how countries can draw territorial borders in the sea and states clearly the rights of landlocked states to access the seas. Singapore played an important part when Singapore s former representative to the UN was President of the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea. The UN Security Council includes 5 permanent members and 10 rotating members and Singapore was elected to serve as a non-permanent member for two years in 2001 and 2002. The main role is to maintain international peace and security. The election to the council showed the confidence member countries have in Singapore as well as Singapore s commitment to the UN. UN Peacekeeping Operations is a way to help countries torn by conflict to create condition for long term peace. Peacekeeping operations are authorized by UN Security Council and Singapore has been involved in these efforts. By 2005, Singapore was involved in 13 operations in 11 different countries and has contributed 1500 personnel for these missions. UN ensured that there are platforms for countries to negotiate and settle their differences. Furthermore, with the goodwill that we have shown in helping the others, Singapore is portrayed in a good light. Aggressors will not want to attack Singapore as it will be difficult when other countries intervene to help Singapore, Furthermore with diplomatic ties, countries will prefer to negotiate peacefully should a conflict arise. Therefore, international relation is a good diplomatic strategy that enables Singapore to manage peace and security. Prepared by Mrs Elsa Khoo 6 June 2016