4E Deterrence and Diplomacy

Why Conflicts Exist Among Nations

Managing Peace and Security

By the end of the lesson…

We will be able to, • List why conflicts occur among countries. • Explain competing territory as a cause of

conflict among countries.

Why conflicts occur among countries?

1. Competing territory2. Conflict over scarce resources3. Conflict over ideological differences

Question

1. Explain the significance of competing territory as a cause of conflict among countries. [5]

Competing territory

Point: • Competing territory is a significant cause of

conflict among countries.Elaborate: • This refers to competition for territory that is

crucial to improving national interests such as defence, economic conditions or national pride.

Competing territory

Example: • For example, China and India has a long-standing

border conflict over the Aksai Chin plateau and the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA).

• In 1958, China built a road on the Aksai Chin plateau to strategically connect Tibet with Xinjiang.

• This led to the Indian government protesting that its territorial rights were violated. China, however claimed non-violation arguing that the border has never been defined.

Travellers stranded on the Aksai Chin

Competing territory

Example: • Tension escalated in 1959 when fighting broke out in

the NEFA and in the Aksai Chin plateau. • By mid-1961, China had occupied even more territories

which India regarded as its own, and refused to return the territories despite demands by India.

• In 1962, war broke out between China and India, which fortunately, ended quickly.

• In 2005, an agreement was signed between the two countries to settle the border dispute amicably.

Competing territory

Link: • The conflict between China and India shows

that competing territory can lead to damaging bilateral relations and even armed conflict among nations, which if left unresolved can further escalate into war, hence competing territory is a significant cause of conflict among countries.

Question

1. Explain how conflict may occur among countries because of territorial disputes. Support your answer with reference to the Senkaku Islands dispute. [5]

Competing territory

Point: • Conflict may occur among countries because

of territorial disputes.Elaborate: • This refers to the competition for territory that

is crucial to improving national interests such as defence, economic conditions or national pride.

Competing territory

Example: • For example, China and Japan are involved in a territorial

dispute over the Senkaku Islands located in the East China Sea.

• China claimed that the islands have been a part of Chinese territory since 1534, although China also acknowledged that Japan took control of the islands between 1894 and 1895 during the first Sino-Japanese War.

• However, China argued that the San Francisco Peace Treaty signed by Japan after its surrender in World War II requires Japan to relinquish control of the Senkaku Islands, which effectively returns their ownership to China.

A view of the Senkaku Islands, East China Sea

Competing territory

Example: • In November 2013, China announced an Air Defence

Identification Zone (ADIZ) to include the Senkaku Islands, and requires foreign air carriers to report movement through the zone to China.

• China’s claims over the Senkaku Islands were rejected by Japan, which argues that the Senkaku Islands have always been part of Japan, and ordered its airlines to ignore the ADIZ.

• The dispute has since led to clashes between the Coast Guards of the two countries and the deployment of armed forces which include fighter planes and warships from the two countries to the disputed region.

Treaty of San Francisco

A Chinese fishing boat surrounded by Japanese Coast Guard vessels

Japanese Coast Guard vessels spraying water at Chinese fishing boats

Competing territory

Link: • The dispute between China and Japan goes to

show that countries are willing to risk damaging bilateral relations and even armed conflict for valuable territory that might improve their economic conditions, hence conflict may occur among countries because of territorial disputes.


We will be able to, • Explain competing scarce resources as a cause

of conflict among countries.

Question

2. Explain the significance of scarce resources as a cause of conflict among countries. [5]

Conflict over scarce resources

Point: • Scarce resources is a significant cause of

conflict among countries.Elaborate: • This refers to the competition for natural

resources which are scarce and unequally distributed yet necessary for survival and economic growth.


Example: • For example, Iceland and Britain were in conflict

over fishing grounds in the 1970s.• Fish stocks in Iceland decreased significantly in the

1970s as a result of overfishing by European countries such as Belgium, Germany and Britain.

• This was detrimental to Iceland’s economy as the country has few natural resources at that time and almost depended exclusively on fishing for income.


Example: • As a result, Iceland extended its fishing grounds

from 50 to 200 nautical miles beyond its shore.• However Britain refused to recognise the

boundary and both countries cut diplomatic ties.• During the conflict, several incidents of ramming

between Icelandic vessels and British vessels occurred which resulted in the deployment of armed frigates from both countries.

Britain’s vessel HMS Mermaid clashing with Icelandic vessel 'FPV Baldur’ during the Third Cod War, 1976.


Example: • The matter was only resolved after both

countries signed an agreement to allow Britain to catch a fixed amount of fish while allowing Iceland’s patrol vessels to stop and inspect British trawlers for violation of the agreement.


Link: • The conflict between Iceland and Britain

shows that countries are willing to risk international disputes and harm diplomatic relations to protect or compete for scarce resources that are of national interest, therefore conflict over scarce resources is a significant cause of conflict among countries.


Point: • Scarce resources is a significant cause of

conflict among countries.Elaborate: • This refers to the competition for natural

resources which are scarce and unequally distributed yet necessary for survival and economic growth.


Example: • For example, China, Philippines and Vietnam have

been involved in a longstanding territorial dispute over the South China Sea, rich in fishing resources and long thought to be potentially rich in oil and natural gas.

• In December 2013, China unilaterally announced new fishing regulations in the South China Sea which came into force in January 2013, effectively extending the legal basis for China’s claim to land features and maritime zones in the South China Sea.


Example: • The regulations were rejected and slammed by the

Philippines and Vietnam which accused China of threatening their food security and a thinly-masked attempt to claim nearly the entire South China Sea.

• Since January 2013, the involved countries have increased the presence of their respective Coast Guard and navy to patrol the region and protect their fishing vessels against potential acts of aggression.


Link: • The conflict between China, Philippines and

Vietnam shows that competition for scarce resources among countries has the potential to raise tensions, risk armed clashes and threaten regional stability and peace, therefore conflict over scarce resources is a significant cause of conflict among countries.


We will be able to, • Explain different political ideologies as a cause

of conflict among countries.

Question

3. Explain the significance of ideological differences as a cause of conflict among countries.

[5]

Kim II Sung

Kim Jong Il Kim Jong Un

Conflict over ideological differences

Point: • Ideological differences is a significant cause of

conflict among countries.Elaborate: • This refers to different political ideologies and

beliefs that may well form the basis of a country’s national identity and legitimacy.


Example: • For example, North Korea and South Korea fought a war

to defend their own ideologies of communism and democracy respectively.

• Following the surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II, American administrators divided Korea along the 38th Parallel, with the US occupying the southern half and the USSR the northern half.

• To unite the two Koreas, the United Nations (UN) called for an election in 1947 but the USSR refused and installed a communist regime.


Example: • With the support of the UN, the south became a

democratic republic in 1948.• To unite the two Koreas under communism, North Korea

invaded South Korea in 1950. • To stem the tide of communism, the UN defended South

Korea and pushed the North Korean forces north of the 38th Parallel.

• Fearing for their national interest, China joined the war in 1951 and aided North Korea in pushing the UN forces back to South Korea.

These South Korean recruits, sitting flat car for transfer to a training center, are heading for the army and the war against the North Korean invaders. They were given a flag-waving, band-playing send-off on July 17, 1950. (AP Photo)

A North Korean tankman lies dead on ground (lower left) amid knocked-out tanks on August 13, 1950 in Indong, Korea, North of Waegwan, after South Korean attack. (AP Photo)

A 25th Division tank uses a flame thrower on an enemy pillbox deeply emplaced in a hillside near Korea's Han River front on March 30, 1951. (AP Photo)

Columns of light stab the night as U.S. rockets thunder toward Communist-held targets in Wonsan, Korean port city on July 1, 1951. The fire trails brilliantly lit the ship and could be followed by sight as they struck their targets. (AP Photo/DOD) #

A U.S. Marine dives for cover in his bunker as a communist 82 millimeter mortar shell scores a hit on a ridge in eastern Korea, April 8, 1952. (AP Photo/Edward A. McDade/U.S. Navy)


Example: • The fighting ended in 1953 when an

agreement was signed to restore the border between the Koreas at the 38th Parallel.

• Though the fighting has ended, antagonism between the Koreas still exists today.

Bodies of U.S. Marines, British Royal Marines Soldiers and Republic of Korea troops are gathered for a mass burial at Koto-ri on December 8th, 1950. (U.S. Department of Defense/SGT. F.C. Kerr)

A dead Chinese soldier, his burned uniform still smoking, lies with bodies of his comrades at a collection point near Chunchon on May 17, 1951 after allied forces had stemmed the major enemy attack near the town on Korea's central front. (AP Photo/ENJ)

In this Dec. 4, 1950 file photo, residents from Pyongyang, North Korea, and refugees from other areas crawl perilously over shattered girders of the city's bridge, as they flee south across the Taedong River to escape the advance of Chinese Communist troops. (AP Photo/Max Desfor)

With her brother on her back a war weary Korean girl tiredly trudges by a stalled M-26 tank, at Haengju, Korea. June 9, 1951. (U.S. Navy/Maj. R.V. Spencer, UAF)


Link: • The conflict between the two Koreas shows

that countries are willing to risk peace and enter armed conflict in the defence of their ideological beliefs when those beliefs are threatened, therefore ideological differences is a significant cause of conflict among countries.

How does Singapore manage conflict and ensure national security?

Managing Peace and Security


We will be able to, • Describe the concepts of deterrence and

diplomacy.• Describe how Singapore manages conflict and

ensures national security.• List Singapore’s deterrence strategies.• Explain how a citizen armed force ensures

national security.

Deterrence

• Generally, deterrence is something that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.

• As an approach to national security, deterrence refers to measures taken by countries to prevent and protect themselves from threats.

Diplomacy

• Generally, diplomacy refers to the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way.

• As an approach to national security, diplomacy refers to the way countries manage or conduct relations with one another, to promote common interests and to resolve conflicting interests in a peaceful manner.

Singapore’s Approach

• As a small state with limited resources, Singapore adopts a national security policy of deterrence supported by diplomacy.– Our deterrence policy prepares us for any form of

threats.– Our diplomacy policy develops diplomatic

relationships with as many countries as possible.

Singapore’s Deterrence Strategies

1. A citizen armed force2. 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces3. National defence industry4. Total Defence5. Multi-agency coordination on security6. Military co-operation with other countries

Question

1. Explain how a citizen armed force deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

“We can best avoid war by showing our seriousness to defend ourselves and our capability to do so should the need arise.

Potential aggressors must know that the cost of any military adventurism will be high so that they will be deterred. A credible deterrence is essential for the survival of a small state, a little red dot, such as Singapore.”

“You remember what happened to Singapore when the Japanese troops came in?” The people were defenceless. We were spectators. Then we were the sufferers. This time we are the participants. We will defend ourselves.

Whoever else wants to defend us, I will say to them, “Thank you very much. But please remember I can defend myself and make no mistake about it.”

A citizen armed force

Point: • A citizen armed force deters aggressors from

threatening Singapore.Elaborate: • This refers to an armed force that is mainly

made up of conscripted citizens that are well-trained and ready to defend Singapore when the need arises.


Example: • As Singapore cannot afford to maintain a large

professional army due to its small population and limited resources, National Service (NS) was introduced in 1967 that require all able-bodied male citizens to enlist and undergo military training for two years once they turn 18.

• These men also have to report for regular reservist training up to the age of 45.


Link: • Having a citizen armed force ensures an

effective and stable defence force with soldiers who are prepared for deployment at all times. A strong citizen armed force thereby enables Singapore to defend itself against all threats, hence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore.


We will be able to,• Explain how the 3rd Generation Singapore

Armed Forces deters potential aggressors from attacking Singapore.

Question

2. Explain how developing a 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

3G SAF

Point: • Developing a 3rd Generation Singapore Armed

Forces (3G SAF) deters aggressors from threatening Singapore.

Elaborate: • This refers to the upgrading of Singapore’s defence

force to meet the changing face of warfare that has become more complex with advances in info-communication technologies and non-conventional threats such as terrorism and piracy.

3G SAF

Example: • For example, the 3G SAF soldier is equipped

with state-of-the-art equipment that includes the Singapore-manufactured SAR 21 assault rifles to replace the M16S1, and pixelated combat uniform which generates patterns to make personnel less obvious as a visual target for hostile forces, effectively enhancing their survival by delaying enemy detection time.

3G SAF

M16S1

SAR 21

3G SAF

3G SAF

Example: • The 3G SAF also engages in research and

technology actively by partnering with research institutes of the Ministry of Defence and local universities, with the aim of maximising defensive capabilities through modern technology.

3G SAF

Link: • Developing the 3G SAF will allow our armed

forces to respond swiftly and effectively to potential threats, and anticipate and respond quickly to new security challenges through continuous innovation. The 3G SAF thereby serves as a constant reminder of our vigilance and capabilities to potential aggressors, hence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore.


We will be able to,• Explain how a national defence industry deters

potential aggressors from attacking Singapore.

Question

3. Explain how having a national defence industry deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

National Defence Industry

Point: • Having a national defence industry deters

aggressors from threatening Singapore.Elaborate: • This refers to a nation-owned defence industry

that will enable the self-reliance of Singapore’s armed forces and ensure access to the latest in essential defence and weapons technology.


Example: • Singapore’s defence industry had a humble start in 1967,

beginning with Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS) which produces small arms ammunition.

• Over the years, CIS has expanded, reformed and reinvented itself as ST Kinetics and now runs 3 divisions namely automotive, ammunitions and weapons.

• Beyond small arms ammunition, it has developed a series of flagship products such as the Pegasus 155 mm lightweight howitzer, Primus 155mm self-propelled artillery gun, and Bionix armoured fighting vehicle.

Pegasus 155 mm lightweight howitzer

Primus 155mm self-propelled artillery gun

Bionix armoured fighting vehicle


Example: • In 2000, the Defence Science and Technology

Agency (DSTA) was formed to provide cost-effective and modern technology to the SAF and the Ministry of Defence. This is done through its three triple role of acquiring, maintaining and developing new defence technology.

• Some defence systems currently supported by DSTA includes the Apache Attack Helicopter and the Hermes Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

Apache Attack Helicopter

Hermes UAV


Link: • A strong national defence industry of producers

and developers, as shown by the examples is evidence of the self-reliance and strength of Singapore’s defence capabilities, effectively serving as a strong warning to potential aggressors against any considering any forms of threat, hence having a national defence industry deters aggressors from threatening Singapore.


We will be able to,• Explain how Total Defence deters potential

aggressors from attacking Singapore.

Question

4. Explain how Total Defence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

4a. Explain how military defence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

4b. Explain how civil defence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

4c. Explain how economic defence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

4d. Explain how social defence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

4e. Explain how psychological defence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

Total Defence

Point: • Total Defence deters aggressors from

threatening Singapore.Elaborate: • This refers to a whole-of-nation approach to

defence that involves every Singaporean playing a part, individually and collectively to build a strong, secure and cohesive nation that is prepared to deal with any crisis.

Total Defence

Example: • Total Defence was introduced in 1984 to involve

everyone in the defence of the country and consists of five aspects – Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological Defence.

• For example, Military Defence involves a citizen armed forces that is operationally ready at all times, and a strong defence ecosystem that includes the SAF, DSTA and Singapore Kinectics as the user, developer and producer respectively.

Total Defence

Example: • Civil Defence requires us to know what to do in

times of emergency and be alert at all times. During crisis, resources will be strained but if we know what to do, we can save ourselves and our loved ones, help others and ensure that life goes on as normally as possible. The importance of knowing what to do was seen when Singaporeans volunteered up to help the rescue effort of the collapsed Hotel New World in 1986, which saved 17 lives.

Total Defence

Example: • Economic Defence refers to building a resilient economy that will

not break down in times of crisis such as war. It also means staying relevant and employable by being able to adjust to changing economic demands.

• To prepare for emergencies, the government and businesses work together to put in place contingencies to keep businesses running even after National Servicemen have been mobilised, and to maintain national stockpiles of essential items to keep the economy going.

• The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) was formed in 2003 to upgrade the skills of workers to ensure workers have the relevant skills and remain employable.

Total Defence

Example: • Social Defence is about living harmoniously and

helping fellow Singaporeans. • For example, organisations such as the Inter-

Racial Confidence Circle (IRCC) actively organises visits to places of worship of different faiths and inter-faith dialogues and workshops. This helps to ensure that unity will not be broken during testing situations such as a terrorist attack.

Total Defence

Example: • Psychological Defence is about having pride and

loyalty in the country, and the resilience to overcome challenges.

• For example, during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis in 2003, even amidst real fears, Singaporeans from all sectors of society came together and worked closely with the health authorities to fight the deadly virus.

Total Defence

Link:• As Total Defence provides a comprehensive

and integrated response to all kinds of threats and involves every Singaporean, potential aggressors will have to think twice about attacking Singapore as they will have to face the whole nation and not just the armed forces, therefore Total Defence deters aggressors from threatening Singapore.


We will be able to,• Explain how multi-agency coordination deters


Question

5. Explain how multi-agency coordination on security deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

Singapore Government

1. Prime Minister’s Office2. Communications and

Information3. Culture, Community

and Youth4. Defence5. Education6. Environment and

Water Resources7. Finance

8. Foreign Affairs9. Health10. Home Affairs11. Law12. Manpower13. National Development14. Social and Family

Development15. Trade and Industry16. Transport

Multi-agency coordination

Point:• Multi-agency coordination on security deters

aggressors from threatening Singapore. Elaborate:• This refers to coordination and collaboration across

Singapore’s various government agencies to meet the changing face of security threats that are fast-becoming non-conventional which include threats such as transnational terrorism and cyber sabotage.


Example:• To achieve greater synergy among different government

agencies, the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) was set up to provide a whole-of-government coordination and collaboration so as to strengthen Singapore's capabilities against threats to our national security.

• The NSCS is headed by a ministerial-level Security Policy Review Committee (SPRC) which oversees sub-committees that span across ministries, each focusing on capability and strategic plans development in specific domains such as food security and critical infrastructure.


Link:• Multi-agency coordination allows different

organisations and agencies to share intelligence and resources which creates a concerted effort in defence planning such that the whole is greater then the sum of its parts. Potential aggressors will thus have to think twice about threatening Singapore as any attack will be met by a coordinated and swift response, thereby multi-agency coordination on security deters aggressors from threatening Singapore.


We will be able to,• Explain how a military co-operation deters


Question

6. Explain how military co-operation with other countries deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]

Military co-operation

Point:• Military co-operation with other countries

deters aggressors from threatening Singapore. Elaborate:• This refers to the fostering of friendly ties with

foreign armed forces to create allies in arms that would aid one another in times of emergencies.


Example:• Singapore has bilateral military agreements with

various countries such as Australia, New Zealand, India and Taiwan to allow Singapore troops to train in these countries.

• In addition, Singapore also conducts combined armed exercises with the troops from these countries to increase cooperation and strengthen ties, such as the annual Exercise Wallaby in Australia.


Example:• Singapore is also involved in multi-lateral military

agreements with other countries such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FDPA) that include Malaysia, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

• The members of the FDPA conduct military exercises every year to enhance cooperation and coordination and meet to discuss security measures.


Link:• Military co-operation with other countries

strengthens friendship with foreign armed forces, and creates comrades-in-arms. Potential aggressors will thus have to think twice about threatening Singapore as they will have to face the combined force of the SAF and our allies, therefore military co-operation with other countries deters aggressors from threatening Singapore.


We will be able to, • List Singapore’s diplomacy strategies.• Explain how establishing bilateral relations

benefits Singapore.

Singapore’s Diplomacy Strategies

1. Bilateral relations2. Regional relations3. International relations

Question

1. Explain how establishing bilateral relations benefits Singapore. [5]

Bilateral Relations

Point:• Establishing bilateral relations benefits

Singapore. Elaborate:• This refers to the forming of relations with

foreign countries to promote political, economic and cultural ties to speed up Singapore’s development.

Bilateral Relations

Example:• For example, Singapore maintains diplomatic

relations with 186 countries such as neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, emerging giants such as China and India and global powers such as the USA and Germany.

• These partnerships have benefitted Singapore with more trading opportunities and access to technological skills and advancements.

Bilateral Relations

Example:• Singapore also plays the role of a friend by

providing aid to allies in need.• For example in 2013, Singapore donated $200,000

through the Red Cross to help in the relief efforts of the Philippines in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

• The Singapore Civil Defence Force was also activated and dispatched a team to Tacloban City to assist in the rescue efforts.

Bilateral Relations

Link:• Through forming bilateral relations with other

countries, Singapore is able to benefit from more economic linkages such as more trading opportunities and access to natural resources, to the strengthening of our defence position through the forming of strategic defence alliances, hence establishing bilateral relations benefits Singapore.


We will be able to, • Explain how establishing regional relations

benefits Singapore.

Question

2. Explain how establishing regional relations benefits Singapore. [5]

Regional Relations

Point:• Establishing regional relations benefits

Singapore. Elaborate:• This refers to the forming of relations with

other countries in the region, such that Singapore can enjoy the collective strengths and resources that comes along with unity among our neighbours.

Regional Relations

Example:• For example, Singapore is a founding member

of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which currently consists of 10 member countries such as Brunei and Indonesia.

• As an ASEAN member, Singapore enjoys import tax exemptions when importing from fellow member countries, thereby lowering costs of production.

Regional Relations

Example:• As an ASEAN member, Singapore is an active participant of

the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) which maintains peace by promoting political and security dialogue among countries in the Asia Pacific, which includes Japan, China and Australia.

• In addition, Singapore also contributes to ASEAN by providing technical knowledge and expertise to member countries. In 2012, the Singapore-Myanmar Technical Cooperation Programme was initiated to support Myanmar in the development of its economy, human resource and public administration.

Regional Relations

Link:• Establishing regional relations has provided

Singapore with many opportunities to strengthen its relationship with its neighbours, thereby forming a strong bloc of allies that aids one another in development, defence and during emergencies, hence establishing regional relations benefits Singapore.


We will be able to, • Explain how establishing international

relations benefits Singapore.

Question

3. Explain how establishing international relations benefits Singapore. [5]

International Relations

Point:• Establishing international relations benefits

Singapore. Elaborate:• This refers to forming relations with other countries

through membership in international coalitions or organisations, such that Singapore can enjoy global recognition as a sovereign country and develop friendship with other countries.


Example:• For example, Singapore was admitted as a United Nations

(UN) member in 1965, which granted it recognition as a sovereign state.

• In addition, the UN also sent experts to advise and help in Singapore’s economic and social development during our early stage of independence.

• Singapore also played a part in the UN Law of the Sea Conference which was organised to decide on the territorial rights of a country over its waters, which is especially relevant and important to us give that Singaore is an island state.


Link:• Being a member of the UN ensures

Singapore’s legitimacy as a sovereign state, allow our voice to be heard when decisions are made that may impact Singapore, and also develop relations among nations, thereby ensuring Singapore’s independence and prosperity, hence establishing international relations benefits Singapore.

END

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4E Deterrence and Diplomacy

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