Question

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”.

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 behavioral sciences to identify three common features of independent nation-states

b) Explain, from the government’s perspective, why Singapore decided to take a strong and clear stand against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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.