1. Why do conflicts occur among
countries?
Managing Peace and Security
2. Why conflicts occur among countries?
1. Competing territory
2. Conflict over scarce resources
3. Conflict over ideological differences
3. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
1. Explain competing territory as a cause of
conflict among countries.
4. Question
1. Explain the significance of competing
territory as a cause of conflict among
countries.
[5]
5. Question
1. Explain the significance of competing
territory as a cause of conflict among
countries.
[5]
6. Competing territory
Point:
• Competing territory is a significant cause of
conflict among countries.
Elaborate:
• This refers to the competition for territory that
is crucial to national interests such as defence,
economic conditions or national pride.
7. 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 lay its claim on the plateau,
recognizing its strategic importance.
• 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
1. Explain conflict over scarce resources as a
cause of conflict among countries.
13. Question
2. Explain the significance of competition for
scarce resources as a cause of conflict among
countries.
[5]
14. Conflict over scarce resources
Point:
• Competition for 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.
15. Conflict over scarce resources
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 and Britain.
• This was detrimental to Iceland’s economy as the
country has few natural resources at that time
and depended almost exclusively on fishing for
income.
16. Conflict over scarce resources
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.
17. Britain’s vessel HMS Mermaid clashing with Icelandic vessel
'FPV Baldur’ during the Third Cod War, 1976.
18. Conflict over scarce resources
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.
19. Conflict over scarce resources
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.
20. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
• Explain different political ideologies as a
cause of conflict among countries.
21. Question
3. Explain the significance of ideological
differences as a cause of conflict among
countries.
[5]
24. 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.
25. Conflict over ideological differences
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.
26. Conflict over ideological differences
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.
27. 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)
28. 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)
29. 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)
30. 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) #
31. 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)
32. Conflict over ideological differences
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.
33. 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)
34. 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)
35. 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)
36. 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)
37. Conflict over ideological differences
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.
38. Pair/Group Discussion
• You are mature and informed political leaders
of Singapore. Considering Singapore’s
domestic challenges and regional and
international realities, what would you do to
ensure the security of your country?
39. How does Singapore manage conflict
and ensure national security?
Managing Peace and Security
40. By the end of the lesson…
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.
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. 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.
44. Singapore’s Deterrence Strategies
1. A citizen armed force
2. 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces
3. National defence industry
4. Total Defence
5. Multi-agency coordination on security
6. Military co-operation with other countries
45. Question
1. Explain how a citizen armed force deters
aggressors from threatening Singapore. [5]
46. “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.”
47. “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.”
48. 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.
49. A citizen armed force
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.
50. A citizen armed force
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.
51. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
• Explain how the 3rd Generation Singapore
Armed Forces deters potential aggressors
from attacking Singapore.
52. Question
2. Explain how developing a 3rd Generation
Singapore Armed Forces deters aggressors
from threatening Singapore. [5]
53. 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.
54. 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.
59. 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.
60. 3G SAF
Link:
• Developing the 3G SAF through allows our armed
forces to respond swiftly and effectively to
potential threats, and anticipate and respond
quickly to new security challenges through
continuous technological innovation, thereby
serving as a constant reminder of our vigilance
and capabilities to potential aggressors, hence
deters aggressors from threatening Singapore.
61. 3G SAF
Link:
• Though our armed forces may be small,
developing the 3G SAF allows us to multiply
our armed forces through the use of military
technology, thereby deterring the enemy from
even considering involving in a hostile
relationship with Singapore.
62. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
• Explain how a national defence industry
deters potential aggressors from attacking
Singapore.
63. Question
3. Explain how having a national defence
industry deters aggressors from threatening
Singapore. [5]
64. 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.
65. National Defence Industry
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.
69. National Defence Industry
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.
72. National Defence Industry
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.
73. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
• Explain how Total Defence deters potential
aggressors from attacking Singapore.
74. 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]
75. 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.
76. 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.
77. 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.
78. 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.
79. 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.
80. 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.
81. 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.
82. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
• Explain how multi-agency coordination deters
potential aggressors from attacking Singapore.
83. Question
5. Explain how multi-agency coordination on
security deters aggressors from threatening
Singapore. [5]
84. Singapore Government
1. Prime Minister’s Office
2. Communications and
Information
3. Culture, Community and
Youth
4. Defence
5. Education
6. Environment and Water
Resources
7. Finance
8. Foreign Affairs
9. Health
10. Home Affairs
11. Law
12. Manpower
13. National Development
14. Social and Family
Development
15. Trade and Industry
16. Transport
85. 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.
86. Multi-agency coordination
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.
87.
88. Multi-agency coordination
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.
89. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
• Explain how a military co-operation deters
potential aggressors from attacking Singapore.
90. Question
6. Explain how military co-operation with other
countries deters aggressors from threatening
Singapore. [5]
91. 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.
92. Military co-operation
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.
93. Military co-operation
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.
94. Military co-operation
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.
95. By the end of the lesson…
We will be able to,
• List Singapore’s diplomacy strategies.
• Explain how establishing bilateral relations
benefits Singapore.
98. 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.
99. 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.
100. 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.
101. 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.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmH8KsJWROY (Be a Man)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-bCrDevL04&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL468FD92CFD09E32F (Feel the pride)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZcjuw8y-3s (Letters)
