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Deterrence & Diplomacy

How far is competing territory the reason for conflict between countries?Explain your Answer. [12]

L1 IntroOPTIONAL Competing territory is one reason for conflict between countries. Besidesthis, other reasons are conflict over scarce resources and conflict overideological differences.

L2DescribeGF

L3Explain GF

Competing territory is an important cause. An example is the conflict overborder between China and India in 1947. When India gained independencefrom Britian, it inherited the frontier drawn by the British; while Chinaprotested that it had not agreed to the frontier. It was difficult to have a clearborder between the two countries because much of their frontier lies in theinaccessible Himalayas. In 1958, China announced that it had built a roadon the Aksai Chin plateau, which was one of the disputed territories, andthe Indian government protested. Tensions worsened when fighting brokeout in the disputed territories, which eventually led to a war. They then

signed an agreement to address the border issue reasonably.

From the example, we can tell that conflicts can occur when territoriesare claimed by two countries or more. Control over certain tracts ofland can be important to a country especially if it concerns its defenceor national pride. As such, some countries may attempt to extendterritorial control by taking over territories which do not belong tothem, which may result in conflicts due to territorial disputes.

L4Explain GF+ Describeother

factor(s)

L5ExplainsGF andotherfactors

Another cause is the competition over scarce resources. For example,Iceland and Britain were in conflict over fishing grounds in the 1970s.Fishermen from European countries like Britain were overfishing aroundIceland, leading to the decrease in fish stocks. Iceland sought help from the

United Nations which extended Icelands fishing ground boundary, such thatno country can fish within Icelands boundary without permission. WhenBritain refused to acknowledge the new boundary, Iceland cut its diplomaticties with Britain, until an agreement was signed later on.

The worlds natural resources such as land, water, oil and fish areunequally distributed. As such, some countries have more of theseresources while others have less. Countries with fewer resources mayuse force to gain more, especially if these resources are necessary forits survival or economic growth. When this happens, conflicts mayarise. In this case, Iceland had to react as their livelihood was affectedand they had to ensure their own survival. This later led to a conflict.

L4Explain GF+ Describeotherfactors(s)Explain GF+ explain 2otherfactors

Another cause is ideological differences. For example, North Korea andSouth Korea fought a war in 1950 because they believed in differentideologies. North Korea, which believed in Communism, invaded SouthKorea which believed in democracy. The United Nations defended SouthKorea in fear that communist ideologies would be spread to South Korea.The war only ended when an agreement was signed and a demilitarizedzone was created.From the example, different values and beliefs among countries cancause conflicts. When countries pursuing different ideologies see thattheir beliefs are threatened, conflicts may arise between them.

L6 Competing for scarce resources is the most important factor which leads to

conflict between countries. This is because these resources may be vital forthe survival of a country. In the case of Iceland-Britain conflict, Icelands

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was dependent on the fishing industry for its economic needs. As thelivelihood of the Icelanders would be threatened if fish stocks decrease,they were willing to risk clashes with Britain in order to protect their nationalinterests and ensure their survival. Conflicts over ideology are lessimportant because it does not affect the survival of a country directly. Onthe other hand, the natural resources that a country has would promoteeconomic growth and allow a country to develop.

How far can the policy of Total Defence be an effective deterrence againstaggression on Singapore? Explain your answer. [12]

L1Intro

Total Defence is an effective deterrence measure against aggression onSingapore. Besides Total Defence, other measures include a citizen armedforce and military cooperation with other countries.

L2

DescribeGF

L3Explain GF

Total Defence was introduced in 1984 to involve all Singaporeans in the

defence of the country. It consists of five aspects: Military, Civil, Economic,Social and Psychological defence. Civil defence involves being vigilant andalert at all times, as well as knowing what to do during civil emergencies.Economic defence is about building a strong, stable economy that will notbreak down in times of any crisis. The Singapore Workforce DevelopmentAgency also helps to upgrade the skills of workers so that they can remainemployable in a competitive economy. Social defence involves living andworking in harmony regardless of race and religion, and helping oneanother in times of need. Psychological defence is about feeling proud asSingaporeans and having the will and mental strength to overcomechallenges.

Total Defence is an effective deterrence measure because it providesa comprehensive and integrated response to all kinds of threats andchallenges. When all Singaporeans believe that Singapore is worthdefending, Total Defence will be effective. Potential aggressors willthink twice about attacking us, knowing that they face the entirenation and not just the armed forces.

L4/7Explain GF+ Describeotherfactor(s)

L5/8-9ExplainsGF andotherfactors

Another deterrence measure is a citizen armed force. In 1967, NationalService (NS) was introduced. All able-bodies male citizens were called upto serve full-time NS. They learn to defend their own country and throughsharing a common experience during training, it develops in them a senseof loyalty and a shared destiny for Singapore. After which, they wouldcontinue to serve in the citizen armed force as Operationally Ready NSmen for 10 years, and undergo refresher courses to maintain theircompetence in handling newer weapons and equipment, as well as learnnew tactics of war.

In the past, Singapore did not have its own armed force for militarydefence. Through building a citizen armed force, we can now dependon ourselves to defend the country. By having the SAF whichcomprises of the Army, Air Force and Navy, Singapore can protectitself against any foreign threats. Potential aggressors would notattack Singapore as we can defend ourselves. Even if they do, they

know they face a strong armed force. This way, it deters aggressorsfrom attacking us.

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The last measure is military cooperation with other countries. Singaporeactively fosters friendly ties with the armed forces of other countriesthrough bilateral and multi-lateral agreements and exercises. For bilateralcooperation, Singapore has military agreements with countries likeAustralia and India to allow Singapore troops to train in their countries.Singapore also conducts military trainings with neighbouring countries likeMalaysia and Indonesia, which helps increase cooperation and strengthensties among them. For multi-lateral cooperation, Singapore is a member ofthe Five Power Defence arrangements. It comprises five countries whichconduct exercises every year. In the event of an external threat against acountry, members would consult one another on the appropriate measureto be taken.

Military exercises allow the SAF to gain more experience and becomemore powerful. Most importantly, cooperation and coordinationbetween Singapore and other countries are strengthened. They wouldbe willing to assist one another in the event of any external threats

and can work together to combat terrorism. It is effective againstaggression because the other countries would help Singapore whenwe face external threats. With such cooperation, potential aggressorsare less likely to attack us.

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In conclusion, Total Defence is the most effective against aggression. Thisis because defence should not only involve the armed forces. By gettingthe entire nation to be involved in Singapores defence efforts through TotalDefence, Singaporeans will understand that our security cannot be grantedand they would be resilient as a nation to combat any form of aggression.On the other hand, a citizen armed force only covers military defence,which is not enough because it does not involve all Singaporeans in thedefence of their own country.