Issues: World A Singapore Perspective
Unit 2: War & Peace
Topic 3: Defence
Objectives
During this session, students should be encouraged to engage in frank discussion on the
reasons they think many people are apathetic and even cynical about being Singaporean
and about issues like national defence.
Lesson Plan
A.
Defence Strategies (Scandinavian countries)
A number of countries in Northern Europe pursue a policy of Total Defence. As part of
this policy, the armed forces work to deter or repel any attack, the police maintain law
and order, and the rescue services and civil protection unit support the population.
Scandinavia
http://www.homelandsecurityintelwatch.net/200308/storyscan.html
Denmark
http://www.iss.co.za/Pubs/ASR/ADR17/Steyn.html (scroll down to section on total
defence)
Finland
http://www.defmin.fi/index.phtml/topmenu_id/3/lang/3/fs/12
Sweden
http://forsvar.regeringen.se/pressinfo/pdf/FB_p200102_159_eng.pdf
B. Defence Strategies (Singapore)
Singapores approach to national defence is really not that different from that of the
Scandinavian countries. In the event of war, the armed forces, the police, the civil
defence forces and the emergency services all come together to ensure as much social
stability as possible.
Singapores concept of Total Defence also extends to the economic, social,
psychological and civil realms.
http://www.totaldefence.org.sg/
http://www.1upinfo.com/country-guide-study/singapore/singapore154.html
IS/1WISP/TeachingNotes/Unit2/War&Peace3/AY2006-07
Discussion Point (see Worksheet 1)
On a scale of 1 (very low) to 10 (very high), what do you think chances the are that
Singapore will one day go to war? What would you be willing to go to war for?
Discussion Point (see Worksheet 2)
Which countries would you consider Singapores friends? Which ones would you consider
most likely to come to Singapores aid should war ever break out?
Discussion Point
Even with National Service and state-of-the-art weapons, can Singapore successfully
defend itself against a larger aggressor?
Discussion Point
Should Singaporean women enlist for National Service?
It's a privilege for both sexes to serve NS (opinion)
http://app.internet.gov.sg/data/mcds/mcdsfeedback/feedback/feedback312.htm
Discussion Point
Imagine if Singapore went to war tomorrow and the war lasted a few years. How would
that impact your daily life?
Discussion Point*
Why do most Singaporeans seem so apathetic (sometimes even cynical) about being
Singaporean and about issues like national defence?
IS/1WISP/TeachingNotes/Unit2/War&Peace3/AY2006-07
Worksheet 1
What would you be willing to go to war for? Rank your selections (10 most willing to fight
for, 1 least willing to fight for).
Issue
Water
Food
Money
Territory
Religion
Protection of family and friends
National pride
Preservation of way of life
Preservation of independence &
sovereignty
Others (please describe)
Rank
Worksheet 2
Which countries would you consider Singapores friends? Which ones would you consider
most likely to come to Singapores aid should war ever break out (10 most likely, 0 not at
all likely)? Give reasons.
Country
Willing to help?
IS/1WISP/TeachingNotes/Unit2/War&Peace3/AY2006-07
Reason(s)