STUDY NOTES FOR

SECURITY

CHAPTER 6 MANAGING PEACE &

Introduction
1. Why do conflicts occur among countries?
Countries want to protect their national interests (existence,
independence, sovereignty, economic development, territorial control etc.)
Conflicts occur when countries do not agree on issues which might
threaten national interests.
1.1. Competing territory
Control may mean a lot to a country especially if land is important to its
defence and national pride.
If territory claimed by two countries or more, conflict occur among these
countries
1.1.1 Conflict over border
In 1947, China gained independence from Britain and inherited frontier
drawn by British.
China did not agree to frontier.
Difficult to have clear border as much frontier lies in inaccessible
Himalyas.
Aksai Chin plateau and North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) were areas of
conflict between India and China.
In 1950s, Chinese were unwilling to negotiate seriously over the matter
and did not want to commit themselves to a definite boundary.
In 1958, China announced it had built a road on Aksai Chin plateau.
Indian government protested as road violated its territorial rights.
China argued border has not been fixed.
India in turn, claimed border was clearly defined.
In 1959, fighting broke out in NEFA and Aksai China plateau.
During the fighting, China occupied more of India territories.
In 1962, war broke out. War ended quickly.
India and China signed agreement in 2005 to address border issue in fair
and reasonable way.
1.2 Conflict over scarce resources
Natural resources of world, such as land, water, oil, fish unequally
distributed.
Some countries more while others less.
Countries with less may use force to gain more, esp. if resources
necessary for survival and economic growth.
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Example:
1970s, Iceland and Britain in conflict over fishing grounds.
Iceland has few natural resources and depended on fishing industry for
survival.
Fishermen from other European countries (Belgium, Germany, Britain)
were overfishing around Iceland.
Fish stocks around Iceland decreased in 1970s.
Iceland sought help from UN.
In 1975, Iceland extended its zone of control over fishing grounds.
No country would be able to fish within boundary without Icelands
permission.
Britain refused to acknowledge new boundary.
Iceland cut diplomatic ties with Britain in Feb 1976.
Ties restored in June 1976 after two countries agreed that Britain was
allowed to catch a fixed amount of fish with maximum of 24 trawlers within
boundary at any 1 time. Icelands patrol vessel to stop and inspect.
Agreement lasted 6 months. After that, Britain had no more right to fish
within boundary.
1.3 Conflict over ideological differences
Countries using different ideologies (E.g. communism or capitalism) can
come into conflict if they see that their ideological beliefs are threatened.
Example:
North Korea and South Korea fought war as North Korea believed in
Communism and South Korea believed in democracy.
Korea occupied by Japan before World War 2.
In 1945, Japanese soldiers left Korea after defeat during World War 2.
Korea divided into 2 halves at the 38th Parallel. Northern temporarily
occupied by USSR (soviet union; Russia) and southern by USA.
UN called for election to establish single government to reunite Korea.
USSR refused election and installed communist regime Democratic
Peoples Republic of Korea in north.
In 1948, independent Republic of Korea formed with support of USA.
North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950 to unite entire Korea under
communism.
Fearing North Korea would spread communist ideology to South Korea,
USA and allies and UN defended South Korea.
UN forces counter-attacked and pushed North Korean and Chinese forces
back to 38th parallel line.
1951, China fearing national interest would be threatened, joined the war
and aided North Korea in pushing UN troops back into South.
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In 1953, agreement to stop fighting signed by all parties and demilitarized

zone (no fighting) between North Korea and South Korea created.

2. Managing conflicts
Most countries try to resolve conflicts through negotiating peace
agreements and treaties.
During negotiation, diplomats would try to draw up agreements that satisfy
all negotiating parties.
Countries may sometimes have to compromise to ensure conflict does not
escalate.
Some cases, 3rd party, such as UN, may be called in to settle dispute.
Conflicts may not be easily resolved and can exist for long time.
Countries not resolved may lead to war.

Deterrence
3. What is deterrence?
Measurers taken by countries to prevent and protect themselves from
threats.
Measurers may include: Maintaining military installations, carrying out
military exercises, installing CCTVs cameras at train station, sharing
information among countries.
4. Why is deterrence necessary?
Singapore government realized the importance of being military self-reliant
after experiencing Japanese Occupation and the Indonesian
Confrontation.
People learnt they need to depend on themselves to defend Singapore.
For instance, during Japanese occupation, Singaporeans suffered when
British were not able to defend them.
Singapore had to wait for Federal Government in KL to protect them from
terrorist activities during 1964 Indonesian Confrontation.
Without presence of strong military, people do not feel secure. Foreign
companies not willing to invest in country.
To give its people a sense of security and attract & retain foreign investors,
government built its own army.
Building a defence force was a challenge as Singapore had a small
population.
5. How is deterrence practiced?
5.1 A citizen armed force
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Singapore could not provide large professional army in 1965 (population

size: 2 million)
Population also required to develop economy.
Government decided to build citizen armed force through enlisting ablebodied men into army.
In 1967, NS introduced. All able-bodied male citizens called up to serve
full-time NS.
Singapore learn to defend their country.
NS also helps Singaporean men bond and share common experience.
Bonding develops sense of loyalty, patriotism and shared destiny.
Upon completion of full-time NS, men would continue to serve as
Operationally Ready NS men for 10 years.
During training, continue to undergo and attend refresher courses to
maintain competence in handling new weapons and equipment.
Today, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) comprises of the army, Republic of
Singapore Air Forces (RSAF) and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

5.2 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces

SAF consistently enhances capabilities and reviews method of warfare
through research and development.
This is because warfare has become more complex with recent advances
in info-communication technologies (IT).
SAF started project with research institutes to develop 3 rd Generation SAF.
3rd Generation SAF works towards maximizing defensive capablities
through modern technology.
Equips soldiers to fight decisively in war and respond flexibly in peace
time.
3rd Generation SAF aim to create intelligent defence force where
surveillance and strike systems of Air Force, Navy and Army operate
together to provide early intelligence which would help destroy enemy
before they can locate us.
5.3 Singapores defence industry
For army to develop into effective fighting force, needs to use latest
technology and equipment.
Singapore thus builds up its own defence industry to enable SAF to be
self-reliant in essential defence weapons and equipment.
Defence industry started in 1967 when Chartered Industries of Singapore
(CIS) was established to produce small arms ammunition.
Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) formed in 2000 to
provide cost-effective and modern technology to SAF and Ministry of
Defence.
Focus on upgrading and buying weapon system for SAF use.
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Conduct defence-related research and development activities with other

countries.
Defence industry improves capability and effectiveness of SAF.
Enable Singapore to develop a powerful defence force.
By building up own defence industry, Singapore has overcome constrains
through its own innovations.
Advantages of defence industry: Reduce SAF dependence on foreign
supplies as countries may be unwilling to share technology, Design
defence weapon system specially for Singapore soldiers, Modify to make
them more relevant for defence needs, Help SAF maintain weapons and
equipments.

5.4 Total Defence

Introduced in 1984 to involve everyone in defence of country.
Total Defence effective only when all Singaporeans believe Singapore is
worth defending, and involved in defence efforts.
Potential aggressors think twice about attacking Singapore if they know
they face entire nation, not just Armed Forces.
Consist of: Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological
Defence.
Comprehensive and integrated response to all kind of threats and
challenges.
Total defence is about different things Singaporeans can do every day in
every sector of society to strengthen peoples resilience as nation.
[TOTAL DEFENCE]
Military: Deter aggression through Singapore Army and Military forces.
Civil: Involves Singapore civilians. Know what to do during civil emergencies and
be vigilant (e.g. bomb on MRTs).
Economic: Building strong economy that will not break down in times of war.
Social: Singapore of all races and religions working together in social harmony.
Psychological: Be loyal and committed and have pride in Singapore. Involves
the brain i.e. psychology.
5.4.1 Military Defence
(Refer to citizen armed force, 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Force,
Singapores Defence Industry)
5.4.2 Civil Defence
An example is when Hotel New World, 6-level building collapsed suddenly.
Hundreds personnel of Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and trained
Singaporean volunteers worked in attempt to rescue survivors and clear
rubble.
Many volunteer came forward to help, despite risk of personal injury.
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This included Civil Defence volunteers.

Rescue saved 17 lives.

5.4.3 Economic Defence

Constant need to upgrade the skills of our workers.
Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) was formed in 2003.
WDA works with other agencies such as labour unions and professional
associations to support industry growth and upgrade skills of existing
workers.
Industries thus can remain competitive and workers have relevant skills to
remain employable in competitive economy,
5.4.4 Social Defence
Many organisations and community groups such as Community
Development Councils (CDCs), schools and Inter-Racial Confidence
Circle (IRCC) actively involved in strengthening social ties.
Do this through activities such as visits to places of worship of different
faiths and inter-faith dialogue and workshops.
Help ensure unity not broken during testing situations such as terrorist
attack.
5.4.5 Psychological Defence
Having pride and loyalty and wanting to stand up to defend the country.
About having will and mental strength to overcome challenges.
During Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), ordinary people
managed to overcome challenge of SARS and believed in Singapore.
5.5 Multi-agency coordination on Security
Today, there are non-conventional security threats such as transnational
terrorism.
National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) set up to coordinate
work of various government agencies Ministry of Defence, Ministry of
Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Close networking and coordination among ministries further strengthen
and enhance Singapores national security.
NSCS meet regularly to plan national security strategies and policies.
It also works together with commercial and private parties to combat any
form of major terror threats.
Integrated security approach is to prevent, protect and respond to security
threats by sharing intelligence and resources.
5.6 Military co-operation with other countries
Singapore actively fosters friendly ties with armed forces of other
countries.
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Conducted through bilateral and multilateral military agreements, joint

military exercises, training programme and participation in UN peace
missions.

5.6.1 Bilateral military agreements and exercises

Singapore has military agreements with various countries to allow
Singapore troops to train in their countries.
Countries include France, Australia, New Zealand and India
Singapore also conducts regular military training with neighboring
countries (Malaysia, Indonesia).
Trainings increase cooperation and strengthen ties among participating
countries.
5.6.2 Multi-lateral military agreements and exercises
Example of multi-lateral military agreements and exercises is the Five
Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) established in 1971.
Members are Singapore, Malaysia, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Five nations conduct exercises each year to enhance cooperation and
coordination.
In event of external threat against Singapore or Malaysia, members would
consult one another on appropriate measurers taken to deter aggressor.

Diplomacy
6.Why is diplomacy necessary?
Diplomacy means a strategy for establishing friendly relations with other
countries.
Allow countries to pursue mutual interests.
Enables countries work closely with one another to solve problems such
as avian flu.
Help countries settle conflicts, differences and disagreements without use
of violence.
Allows countries to help each other when in need.
7. Diplomacy practices
7.1 Bilateral relations
One country establishes relations with another country on mutual
agreement.
Diplomats are sent, treaties and agreements are signed.
Leaders visit each other to strengthen relations.

Benefits to Singapore:
Technology transfer from developed countries.
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Enhanced political, economic and cultural ties with Indonesia.

Hastened the development of Singapore both economically and socially.
Singapore help its friends in need by sending doctors, nurses to
developing countries.
Singapore send humanitarian aid to Aceh during tsunami.
Widely respected by other countries.

7.2 Regional relations

Countries within same region come together to form association
Stronger and better able to deal with other countries.
7.2.1 ASEAN Main Aims
Singapore, together with four other countries, founded ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in 1967.
1. Economic, social and cultural advancement of the region.
2. Peace and stability of the region.
3. Opportunities for dialogue to settle conflicts cordially.
7.2.2 ASEAN Initiative
1. ASEAN Free Trade Area aims to remove import taxes among Southeast
Asian countries.
So as to form a large production base to counter stiff competition from
large economic competitors such as China.
2. ASEAN Regional Forum to maintain peaceful relations with countries in
Asia-Pacific region.
3. ASEAN provides opportunities for Singapore to resolve conflicts with
neighbouring countries through peaceful dialogue.
7.2.3 Singapores contribution to ASEAN
Educational and professional exchange
- Singapore gave technical training to 1700 officials of Laos.
- Students in ASEAN given scholarships.
Economic cooperation and assistance
- Launched the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) project.
Environmental collaboration
- Environment ministers set up Regional Haze Action Plan.
- All ASEAN countries access to data from ASEAN Specialized
Meteorological Centre in Singapore.
7.3 International relations
UN is international organisation that represents all countries in the world.
UN is made up of Security Council, Economic & Social Council, General
Assembly, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, Secretatiat.
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7.3.1 Aims of UN
World peace.
Friendly relations among nations.
International cooperation to solve international problems.
Respect for human rights and basic freedom for all races, religions and
gender.
7.3.2 Benefits of membership to UN
Gained recognition as independent country by UN.
Received help and advice by UN experts on social and economic
development.
Dr Albert, sent to Singapore to help in its economic and development.
7.3.3 Singapores involvement in UN
1. UN Law of Sea Conference
Decides on sea rights each country has.
Professor Koh was President of Third UN Conference on Law of Sea for 2
years.
2. Security Council
2001 and 2002, Singapore was non-permanent Security Council member.
3. UN peacekeeping operations.
Singapore sent over 400 personnel in UN peacekeeping missions.

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