OSA: Keeping the Peace: Diplomacy & Deterrence

To what extent did concerns with peacekeeping lead to the formation of the UN? Explain your answer. [12]


Level 1
Writes about the factor but without focus on the question
1m for each detail, to a maximum of 2m

Level 2
Describes the given factor OR/AND Disagrees and identifies other factors
E.g.
Agrees, and describes the given factor
OR
Disagrees, identifies & describes other factors
3-4



Level 3
Explains the given factor OR other factors.
Award 4m for an explanation of how the given factor was important and an additional mark for each supporting detail, to a maximum of 6m.

E.g.

The Un was formed to maintain peace as the League of Nations took too long to make decisions and peace was broken. E.g. In 1931 the Japanese invaded Manchuria. The League sent a commission under Lord Lytton to investigate. It stated that the invasion was unlawful and Japan had to withdraw. Japan was defiant and left the League in 1933. Manchuria was conquered within a week. This showed that the League was powerless and a new organization was needed. The League had no arm of its own and relied on the cooperation of members. Britain and France were not willing to commit troops. At no time did troops ever fight on behalf of the League.

The outbreak of WW2 showed that peace was not maintained by the League. The immediate cause was Hitler’s invasion of Poland. Britain and France must share some for the responsibility because they chose to give in to Hitler’s demands making Hitler bolder in his demands and actions. Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 also exposed the League’s weaknesses in peacekeeping. So a new organization, the UN was established so that the weaknesses of the failed League would not be repeated.

OR

No, there were other concerns.
E.g. The World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to bring the world to a point where all the people are not just free of diseases e.g. cholera and smallpox. but are at a high level of health. It provides money to train doctors, nurses and other health workers for developing countries and keeps governments informed about new drugs.

Food & Agricultural Org. (FAO)
Aims to raise standards by encouraging improvements in agricultural production. Introduces new varieties of maize and rice which have a higher yield and are less susceptible to disease. Shows people in poor countries how to increase food production by the use of fertilizers, new techniques and new machinery and cash to fund new projects.
4-6

Award 4m for an explanation of an alternative reason and additional mark for each supporting detail to a max of 6m.
(Do not award 6m unless more than 1 reason is dealt with.)

Level 4
Both elements of L3 7-10


Level 5

L4 + discusses the relative importance of the different factors.

Peacekeeping as compared to humanitarian aid played a more important part in the formation of the UN. In peacekeeping, the UN was able to prevent further conflicts and bloodshed from breaking out. In armed conflicts, more people would be killed and buildings destroyed. Hence peace-keeping was more a determining factor that humanitarian help. Humanitarian aid is less important because it depends a great deal on the peacekeeping measures. If peace could be enforced, there is no need for humanitarian help.
11-12
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“Total Defence is best for Singapore’s defence and security.” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [13]


Level 1
Writes about the topic but without focus on the question.

Level 2
Agrees or Disagree + Identifies reasons.
Award 3m for describing 1 given factor.
Award 4m for describing both given factors, and an additional mark for further details on either factor, to a maximum of 5m.

E.g.
Yes or No, about citizen armed force.


Level 3
Agrees or Disagree + Identifies reasons.

Total Defence is best as it involves the entire population.


Level 4

Explains reason for Agreement OR Disagreement.
Award 6m for an explanation of the given factor and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 8m.

E.g.
Yes
Total Defence is best as it involves the entire population. Civilian population has to be prepared for its defence and security. Singaporeans deter potential aggressors by showing that all Singaporeans are prepared for defence in all areas. This will present a more united front to the outside world and deter them from wanting to attack Singapore as ti would be more challenging.

OR

No

It is not just total defence but a citizen armed force that protected Singapore. Through NS introduced, all able-bodied male citizens were called up for a part-time or full-time NS. These soldiers were trained and commanded by a small regular force. They see their training as a good way of bonding together. Singapore had greater security because Singaporeans learn to defend their own country and develop a sense of loyalty, patriotism and a shared destiny.

Others:

Defence Industry.

Military Cooperation

Level 5

Both aspects of L4

Award 9m for an explanation of given factor AND other factors and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 11m.



Level 5

Reaches a balanced conclusion based on explanation of factors in L4.

E.g.
Weigh the factors by explaining which factor is stronger than the other based on impact or time.
In conclusion, Total Defence is more important than the Citizen’s Armed Force as more people are involved in the defence of Singapore. Total Defence can provide greater security by involving the entire population and not just the NS soldiers.
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How far is the peace and security of Singapore dependent on the role of the Singapore Armed Forces to deter potential aggressors?
Explain your answer


Level 1

Writes about the given factor ( SAF) but without focus on the question
Award one mark for each detail, to a maximum of 2 marks

Eg : The Singapore Armed Forces is a modern professional army that is capable of deterring potential aggressors. It is made up mainly of conscripts……. 1-2



Level 2

Identifies alternative factors
Award 3 marks for identifying one alternative factor, and an additional mark for identifying other alternative factors

Eg :
 The concept of Total Defence encompassing all sectors of society will help to ensure peace and security for Singapore.

 The use of diplomacy to ensure that disputes with neighbouring states can be resolved peacefully. 3-4




Level 3

Explains the given factor or other factor(s)
Award 4 marks for an explanation of the given factor and an additional mark for further supporting details, to a maximum of 6 marks

Eg : This concept of deterrance is part of the Singapore Amred Forces (SAF) strategy to protect Singapore. The SAF will and can use force effectively if Singapore’s interest is threatened. Mr Goh Chok Tong, the former Prime Minster likened the SAF to a poisoned shrimp in a vast ocean. Other sea creatures will not dare to eat this brightly coloured shrimp as it will also die in the process.

Likewise, although the SAF is smaller than many armed forces, through its willingness to use force, friends and potential foes alike will have to think very carefully before even attempting to attack Singapore.

Thus, the SAF’s willingness and capability to use force is a strong reason why Singapore enjoyed peace and security since independence. However, there are other reasons too……..

OR

Award 4 marks for an explanation of an alternative factor(s) and another an additional mark for supporting details/explanation of other reason(s), to a maximum of 6 marks.

Note : Where other reasons are concerned, do not award the highest mark unless more than one reason is dealt with

Eg :
 Although the SAF is important in securing Singapore’s security and peace, the concept of Total Defence cannot be neglected as the use of military force is only one aspect of modern warfare. The concept of Total Defence encompasses Economic, Social, Psychological, Civil and Military Defence. Total Defence provides the framework for a comprehensive and integrated response to deal with all kinds of threats and challenges. Whether it is a security threat such as global terrorism, or a national crisis like SARS, Total Defence brings together all relevant government agencies, private sector organisations and all Singaporeans in a total effort to deal with threats and challenges to Singapore's continued survival and success. When Singaporeans take National Service seriously, volunteer in civil defence exercises, help to keep the economy going, build strong ties with one another regardless of race and religion, and stay committed to defend the country, Singaporeans are doing something in every sector of our society to strengthen Singapore's resilience as a nation. This in turn helps to unite the nation and helps to ensure that security and peace is assured.

 Another means of ensuring that Singapore continues to enjoy peace and security is through the use of diplomacy. Through participation in regional and global organizations like ASEAN and the United Nations, Singapore can have a forum where its views on issues are made known. If there are any disputes with Singapore and other countries, diplomacy can help resolve issues peacefully. A case in point is the dispute over the status of Pedra Branca between Singapore and Malaysia. Here, both parties have agreed to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for mediation. Also diplomacy can help Singapore cooperate with other countries to combat transnational terrorism as well as cross border crimes which threatens all countries. Thus, diplomacy is an effective means to ensure that Singapore can coexist peacefully with other countries and tackle problems like terrorism which can cause harm to us. 4-6


Level 4

Both aspects of L3
Award 7 marks for an explanation of the given factor and identification/description of alternative factor(s)
Award 8-10 marks for explanations of the given factor AND other factor(s)

Note : Where other reasons are concerned, do not award the highest mark unless more than one reason is dealt with 7-10



Level 5
L4 + Discusses the relative importance of the different factors Award 11 marks for answers that explain why the given factor had more or less impact compared to the other factors. Award 12 marks for showing how the various factors are interlinked
11-12

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“The role of the United Nations is mainly focused on maintaining peace among
countries in conflict.” How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer.

Level 1
Writes about the given factor but without focus on the question
Award one mark for each detail, to a maximum of 2 marks

Eg :
 The United Nations is grouping formed in 1945 with the express aim of achieving world peace. It has a current membership of 199 countries.. 1-2



Level2
Agrees OR disagrees, and identifies other reason(s)

Award 3 marks for identifying one reason for agreeing OR disagreeing. Award 4 marks for identifying two reasons for agreeing OR disagreeing

Eg :
Agreement

 Since 1945, the United Nations have stopped many wars, for instance, between India and Pakistan and the war between Israeli-Arab Wars of 1947 and 1973 through resolutions passed by the UN Security Council (UNSC)

 Peacekeeping forces authorized by the UNSC help to maintain peace in hotspots around the world by keeping belligerent parties apart.

 The United Nations has a body such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is being done to achieve a peaceful and stable international peaceful environment.

OR

Disagreement

 The United Nations has many bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) where work is done to ensure that the lives of people in the poorer countries are being improved.

 The United Nations has become a platform where countries can voice their opinions and disagreements without having to resort to force. 3-4



Level 3
Agrees AND Disagrees, and identifies reasons

Award 4 marks for identifying one reason for agreeing AND disagreeing. Award 5 marks for identifying two reasons for agreeing AND disagreeing. 4-5



Level 4
Explains reasons for Agreement OR Disagreement

Award 6 marks for an explanation of why the UN was not effective in preventing conflict, and an additional mark for each supporting detail, to a maximum of 8 marks

 Agreement Since 1945, the United Nations have stopped many wars, for instance, between India and Pakistan and the war between Israeli-Arab Wars of 1947 and 1973. These countries were incapable of stopping the conflict on their own and UN had to step in to mediate between these parties and get them to stop fighting. The United Nations then send peacekeeping forces to keep these belligerents apart such as in Cyprus and in Kashmir. Thus, many countries still see the U N as a reliable neutral party where they can trust to mediate their differences and bring fighting to a stop. In this context, the U N is definitely a effective force in stopping conflict and thus regaining peace in many parts of the world.

 The United Nations has become a platform where countries can voice their opinions and disagreements without having to resort to force. Here, in the General Assembly, countries big or small can let their feelings be known and debate about issues without having to resort to armed conflict. This is a form of diplomacy where reason takes the place of brute force in resolving conflicts. If the UN were not present, many wars would have broken out due to the lack of a forum to debate issues peacefully.

 Finally, the UN also has a body like the International Court of Justice where countries can refer their disputes for mediation as well as the all powerful Security Council where the Council members can order warring parties to stop fighting or even threaten the use of sanctions or the threat of force in order to stop fighting. The Korean War was a case in point where the UN intervened to stop the North Korean aggression against the South Koreans. Thus, one can see that the United Nations has shown that it has been successful on many occasions to secure world peace.

OR

Award 6 marks for an explanation of why the UN has been effective in preventing conflict., and an additional mark for each supporting detail, to a maximum of 8 marks

Note : Do not award the highest mark unless more than one reason is dealt with

Disagreement

 The United Nations has many bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) where work is done to ensure that the lives of people in the poorer countries are being improved. These bodies render much needed aid to places affected by natural disasters, thus helping to alleviate the sufferings of the people in many parts of the world. A good example is the UN’s response to the 2004 Indian Tsunami Disaster which affected over 200 000 people in many countries. Other UN bodies like the World Health Organisation (WHO) for instance, help to coordinate health issues in order to prevent epidemics from spreading globally. Thus, the UN’s role is to ensure that the world becomes a better place to live in for all.

 The United Nations has become a platform where countries can voice their opinions and disagreements without having to resort to force. Here, in the General Assembly, countries big or small can let their feelings be known and debate about issues that concern them. This is a form of diplomacy where reason takes the place of brute force in resolving conflicts. In the General Assembly, each country is given equal opportunities to have their views heard. Thus, the UN ‘s role as a global platform is a means for diplomacy. 6-8



Level 5 Both aspects of L4

Award 9 marks to answers which have an explanation of why the United Nations is a failure in its mission OR why is not a failure and identifying alternative reason(s).

Award 10-11 marks for an explanation of why the UN is a failure AND why it is not. 9-11



Level 6
Reaches a balanced conclusion based on explanation of reasons in L5 12-13


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How far was the success of ASEAN due to its emphasis on the non-use
of force in solving disputes among ASEAN members? Explain your
answer. [12]


L1 Writes about ASEAN but without focus on the question.
Award 1m for each detail, to a maximum of 2m. 1- 2


L2 Describes given factor OR/AND identifies/describes other factor(s).
Award 3m for describing the given factor OR identifying / describing other
factor(s).Award 4m for doing both. 3- 4


L3 Explains the given factor OR other factor(s)
Award 4m for an explanation of how its emphasis on the non-use of force in solving disputes among ASEAN members as a reason for the success of ASEAN, and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 6m.



E.g. ASEAN emphasis on the non-use of force is linked to its second aim, which is to protect the peace and stability of the region.

This is practised in two ways, firstly in preventing the spread of any local conflict throughout the ASEAN region. For example, when a civil war broke in Cambodia in 1980s and those fighting are supported by countries outside of ASEAN, , ASEAN and the United Nations persuaded the different groups in Cambodia to stop fighting and instead find a peaceful solution. This led to the forming of a new democratic government.

Secondly, when ASEAN members are in dispute with one another over matters such as national boundaries, trade agreements, fishing rights and immigration cases, ASEAN provide opportunities for these members to meet, discuss and resolve the disputes peacefully.

One example is the dispute over the Spratly Islands which are claimed by Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam.

All in all, we can see that its emphasis on the non-use of force has led to the success of ASEAN. In preventing the civil war in Cambodia to worsen which will involve countries outside of ASEAN, it has successfully maintained peace and stability in the region and prevented outsiders from interfering in the region.

The peaceful discussion and resolution of disputes among member countries also contributed to the peace and stability in the region.

Ultimately, this led to growing confidence among members and also growing respect among other international and regional groups in the world on ASEAN’s capability to maintain peace and stability in the ASEAN region.


OR


Award 4m for an explanation of an alternative reason for merger, and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 6m.


E.g. Apart from its emphasis on the non-use of force, there are other factors that contributed to the success of ASEAN.

Firstly is the desire among its members to promote economic, social and cultural
development of the region. ASEAN members have co-operated to improve their economies and also established ties with other countries and associations to promote trade in the region.

One example is ASEAN link with Japan which has invested heavily in ASEAN countries. This economic cooperation among members and with major investing countries such as Japan and USA led to economic prosperity in the ASEAN region and the transfer of technology from Japan to ASEAN members.

Secondly, ASEAN actively promotes the culture and heritage of its member countries. For example, in 1978, ASEAN established the ASEAN COCI (Committee on Culture and Information) to promote co-operation in culture and information among its members. Cultural exchanges such as film festivals, music and drama workshops and art exhibitions have been organised. This has led to a strengthening of mutual understanding and a feeling of unity among the people of ASEAN which will reduce suspicion and ill-feeling among members.



L4 Both elements of L3.
Award 7m to answer that give explanation of the success of Asian & identify/describe other factor(s).

Award 8-10m for explanation of a given factor, AND other factor(s).
Note: Where other factors are concerned, do not award the highest mark unless more than 1 factor is dealt with. 7- 10


L5 L4 + discusses the relative importance of different factors.
Weighing 2 factors only accepted. 11- 12


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(d) “Singapore’s defence efforts are more effective than its diplomatic efforts to ensure its independence.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [13]


L1 Writes about Singapore’s defence but without focus on the question.
Award 1m for each detail, to a maximum of 2m. 1-2



L2 Agrees OR Disagrees, + identifies reasons.
Award 3m for identifying one reason for agreeing OR disagreeing.
Award 4m for identifying 2 reasons for agreeing OR disagreeing.


E.g. Yes. Singapore’s defence efforts are more effective than its diplomatic efforts to ensure its independence from any foreign invasion or rule. Since leaving Malaysia in 1965, Singapore has built its defence capabilities from scratch until the present-day when it is acknowledged that Singapore’s defence is one of the best in Asia. This effective defence system has deterred other countries from ‘bullying’ or threatening Singapore’s independence.

Some examples are the tension between Singapore and Malaysia and Indonesia when Singapore managed to maintain its pride and independence despite being pressured by its larger neighbours.



L3 Agrees AND Disagrees, + identifies reasons.

E.g. No. Bilateral, regional and international diplomacy has allowed Singapore to be linked with its immediate neighbours, regional countries and international community through trade agreements, defence pacts and cultural and social exchanges. This has been effective in maintaining Singapore’s independence as any dispute or disagreement with its neighbours or other countries can be resolved through diplomatic discussions and negotiations.


L4 Explains reasons for Agreement OR Disagreement.
Award 6m for an explanation of why the defence efforts are more effective in maintaining Singapore’s independence, and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 8m.


E.g Since leaving Malaysia in 1965, Singapore has built its defence capabilities from scratch until the present-day when it is acknowledged that Singapore’s defence system is one of the best in Asia. This effective defence system has deterred other countries from ‘bullying’ or threatening Singapore’s independence.

Some examples are the tension between Singapore and Malaysia and Indonesia when Singapore managed to maintain its pride and independence despite being pressured by its larger neighbours.

Singapore’s diplomatic effort would be ineffective if it is not backed up by its defence or military capability. Any potential aggressor would think twice before attacking Singapore as it is well-known that Singapore’s military strength is capable of causing great losses and damage to any aggressor. Its defence efforts has also created a sense of unity and loyalty among its citizens, especially through NS and Total Defence. Instilled with this sense of loyalty and belonging to the country, Singaporeans would work together and be committed to maintain the independence of Singapore.

OR

Award 6m for an explanation of why diplomatic efforts are more effective in maintaining Singapore’s independence, and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 8m.

E.g. Bilateral, regional and international diplomacy has allowed Singapore to be linked with its immediate neighbours, regional countries and international community through trade agreements, defence pacts and cultural and social exchanges.

This has been effective in maintaining Singapore’s independence as any dispute or disagreement with its neighbours or other countries can be resolved through diplomatic discussions and negotiations.

One example is the dispute over Pedra Branca with Malaysia and the sand and granite disagreement with Indonesia. Through diplomatic negotiations, Singapore and Malaysia decided to refer their dispute over Pedra Branca to the International Court of Justice. Instead of raising tensions and escalating the problems further which could possibly lead to armed conflict, Singapore relies on diplomatic efforts to resolve these problems which ultimately would maintain her independence. Through diplomacy, Singapore hopes to make as many friends and as few enemies as possible..


L5 Both aspects of L4
Award 9m for an explanation of why defence OR diplomatic efforts are more effective in maintaining Singapore’s independence and identify alternative reason(s).

Award 10m for an explanation of why defence AND diplomatic efforts are more effective in maintaining Singapore’s independence.
9-11
L6 Reaches a balanced conclusion based on explanation of factors in L5.
12-13