Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier that month, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan delivered a Ministerial Statement in Parliament on 28 February 2022, presenting Singapore’s perspectives on the conflict and explaining the response taken. Balakrishnan, Vivian (2022, February 28). “Ministerial Statement on the Situation in Ukraine and its Implications”. Retrieved from: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts- and-Photos/2022/02/20220228-Ministerial-Statement This assignment requires you to consider issues related to Singapore’s statehood and its position within the international system of nation-states. a) Use concepts from the social and behavioural sciences to identify three common features of independent nation-states (20 marks) b) Explain, from the government’s perspective, why Singapore decided to take a strong and clear stand against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (30 marks) c) Present three steps taken by the Singapore government since independence to build up the country’s position in the world. Discuss and evaluate whether these steps have been successful. (45 marks) Student’s Notes This assignment addresses issues related to statehood and sovereignty within the current international order, and discusses Singapore’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from the perspective of Singapore’s conception of its own status as an independent nation-state, and what it considers to be key principles of the international system. The focus of the assignment is not on internal nation-building policies or national development programmes undertaken by the Singapore government since independence, but such efforts may be cited if it is relevant to the topic of Singapore’s position internationally.
