Foreign Policy: Survival of a Small State · Semester 2

Principles of Singapore's Foreign Policy

Students analyze Singapore's foreign policy principles: realism, being a 'friend to all', and the importance of international law.

About This Topic

Singapore's foreign policy is built on the reality of being a small, resource-poor island in a complex region. The core principles include being a 'friend to all' but a 'vassal to none,' upholding international law, and ensuring Singapore remains relevant to the world. This topic explores how Singapore balances its relations with major powers like the US and China while maintaining its own sovereignty.

This topic is essential for understanding Singapore's survival strategy on the global stage. It connects to the MOE syllabus by examining the concept of 'relevance' and 'sovereignty.' Students benefit from active learning by role-playing as diplomats at a mock international summit where they must protect Singapore's interests.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Mock UN Summit

Students represent different countries (US, China, Singapore, Malaysia). They must negotiate a treaty on 'Sea Lane Security.' The Singapore team must find a way to get the big powers to agree while ensuring Singapore's port remains open and neutral.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Why International Law Matters

Students discuss: 'Why does a small country care more about international law than a big country?' They pair up to list three examples where international law protected Singapore and share with the class.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Gallery Walk: Friends to All

Stations feature Singapore's partnerships with different countries (e.g., defense with the US, trade with China, regional ties with ASEAN). Students move through stations to identify how Singapore manages to keep everyone as a 'friend.'

⏱ 35 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Singapore just follows whatever the big countries say.

What to Teach Instead

Singapore often takes independent stands based on international law, even if it upsets big powers (e.g., the Cambodia conflict or the Michael Fay case). A 'principled stand' case study helps students see that sovereignty means having your own voice.

Common Misconception

Foreign policy is only for diplomats and doesn't affect citizens.

What to Teach Instead

Foreign policy ensures our trade stays open and our borders are safe, which directly affects jobs and security. A 'connect the dots' activity linking a foreign treaty to a local job can help students see the impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key principles of Singapore's foreign policy?

The key principles are: maintaining a credible defense, being a friend to all who wish to be friends with us, upholding international law and the UN Charter, and ensuring that Singapore remains economically relevant and useful to the rest of the world.

Why is 'relevance' so important for a small state?

Because Singapore is small, it has no natural power to influence others. By being a 'global hub' for finance, trade, and diplomacy, Singapore makes itself indispensable to other nations. If Singapore is relevant, other countries have a stake in its survival and success.

How can active learning help students understand foreign policy?

Role-playing as diplomats allows students to experience the 'balancing act' of foreign policy. They realize that you can't always get what you want and must find common ground with others, which helps them understand why Singapore's diplomacy is often about building consensus and following rules.

How does Singapore balance its relationship between the US and China?

Singapore maintains a 'principled' approach, cooperating with both powers in areas of mutual interest (like trade and security) while refusing to take sides in their rivalry. It emphasizes that it makes decisions based on its own national interests and the rules of international law.

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