Sunday, February 25, 2007
Diplomacy
Bilateral Relations
When a country establishes diplomatic relations with another country, that is called bilateral relations. Both countries would send their diplomats to the other country. Sometimes treaties are signed by each country. These agreements for example, can cover trade.Disagreements are discussed and settled peacefully in bilateral relations. Relations can be also strengthened when leaders from both countries visit one another. Since independence, Singapore has established many bilateral relations. Singapore believes that its interests can be promoted through bilateral ties. Some benefits of bilateral relations are new job opportunities with China, transfer of technology and skills from Germany,exchanged of cultural ties with Malaysia.Singapore is also willing to help its friends in need. For example, Singapore has sent doctors, teachers and nurses to developing countries such as Vietnam and Nepal. Singapore's bilateral relations has allowed it to thus gain world recognition.
Regional Relations
Sometimes, countries in the same region get together to form associations.By combining the strengths of each member country, the association becomes stronger. Thus, the association is in a better position when it deals with other countries or assocation. An example would be ASEAN( association of southeast asian countries).ASEAN was formed by 5 southeast asian leaders. Its first aim is to promote economic, social and cuturual development in the region.The ASEAN counties co-operated with one another to improve their economies.ASEAN has also established ties with other countries or associations.For example, Japan heavily invested in ASEAN countries.These countries benefited from the transfer of technology from Japan.A commitee was also set up to promote greater understanding and appreciation of culture and the heritage of its members.ASEAN's second aim was to promote peace and stability in the region.For example, when a civil war broke out in Cambodia, fighting groups where supported by countries outside ASEAN. ASEAN and United Nations persuaded the groups to stop fighting and to form a new democratic government. Sometimes, differences over matters such as fishing rights occur. ASEAN's third and last aim is to provide opportunites to member countries to discuss and resolve these differences peacefully.An example would be the territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over Preda Branca.The countries involved in disagreements would often solve the problems by negotiating or meetings. However, sometimes, both countries cannot come to a conclusion and thus seek help from international associations such as the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ).
International Relations
International relations involves ties among countries and groupings in the world. The UN plays an important role in international relations as its it serves the need of all of the countries in the world. Its role is to preserve world peace and first started with 51 country members. Providing help to countries in need. The UN provides help to countries facing immediete problems such as an earthquake. It sends food and medical aid to the countries. Giving a voice to every member country. Member countries are given an opportunity to vote on any decision that may affect them. They are also given a chance to voice their grievances.Safeguarding peace and stability.The peacekeeping forces are made out of officers from member countries. Consent from the UN and the countries involved in the conflict must be given before peacekeeping forces can be sent to the area in trouble. The main task of a peacekeeping force is to ensure that parties involved in an armed conflict observe peace by keeping them apart, preventing them from fighting. Peacekeepers are also not allowed to side with anyone of them.The UN security council maintains peace and security among member countries. For example, when a war breaks out, the security council may issue a stern warning to the aggressor, or may take military action or organize a boycott. The ICJ of the UN also helps settle disputes between member countries.
~ diplomacy siao liao
e7ALMIGHTY cheered!7:16 PM
