User:Kimminseok/ss-temp

Active Citizenry comprises of 2 realms 1. Civic Society - social-cultural aspect of civiliity, including typical sg public discourses of courtesy, graciousness and politeness 2. Civil Society - Refers to politically active population, and hence needs a democracy to prosper -pol activity and participation in govt policy and decision making

Active Citizenry Definition- working towards betterment of one's community through economic participation, public service, volunteer work and other such efforts to improve life for all citizens.

Characteristics: - online voting -protest -forums on govt policy - petition - giving feedback and suggestions

What nurtures AC? - open govt + formal education (learns what it means to be AC) - upbringing by parents - social media -> very accessible, with some freedom and anonymity -> free flow of ideas and info - new media (?)

Participation - 3 types - Political participation -> foundation of democracy - passive participation -> being well informed in publioc affairs (usually via mass media) - active participation -> voting (compulsory or voluntary) in elections

Active Citizenry Under comparison with Civil Society Eastern Version 1.      Voluntary action (Can be state-influenced/directed) a.      Adhering to certain state directives and or recommendations b.     Betterment of society c.      Political/Accepted political status quo d.     Individual/Collective 2.      Does not necessary require democratic platform to take place. As such, AC can even operate in authoritarian states. 3.      Strong emphasis on social well-being & arguably no politicization 4.      Acceptance of political status quo Western Version 5.      Participation in civil society, community and/or political life characterized by mutual respect, non-violence and in accordance with human rights and democracy

Factors contributing to CS REMEMBER: successful CS is one that is workable, sustainable and in harmony with government. AC = working towards betterment of one's community through economic participation, public service, volunteer work and other such efforts to improve life for all citizens.

Open government

In my opinion, I feel that an open-minded government is a factor that enables civil society to materialise. An open-minded government is one that does not restrict public discussion, and promotes civil society by encouraging dialogue, only stepping in when things get out of hand. The Singapore government is a prime example. By setting up the Speaker's Corner, it has encouraged public discussion of issues. The public can freely go to the corner at Hong Lim Park to hold demonstrations, exhibitions and even performances, furthering their social cause. Also, during the AWARE saga, the government did not intervene much. They allowed the once taboo subject of homosexuality to be discussed and debated freely, which gave AWARE the chance to settle the issue on its own. With a supportive and understanding government, it allows the society to learn to be more independent and discuss social issues freely, hence enabling civil society to materialise.

Government -Mindset and attitude of government -Open to alternatives that may be better for the country; diverse opinions on the matter -No intervention on matters; citizens can resolve issues peacefully. -Empowerment > protection of rights -Attitude > encouraging? A liberal, open-minded government receptive to diverse views on the topic can also enable active citizenry to succeed. By opening themselves to various alternatives from the ground, citizens can then be encouraged to participate so as to make the country a better place to live in. The Chek Jawa incident in which the government called off reclamation plans of the area for a decade in view of environment concerns from the citizens have clearly demonstrated this point. News on the impending land reclamation works planned by the government on the area sparked an unprecedented show of public-led and coordinated effort to reverse the reclamation plans, and this is evident of the presence of active citizenry in Singapore. However, as in this case, the government has to be receptive to the differing opinions of the people in order for the citizens’ proposition to the government to succeed and transform our lives for the better. The receptiveness to the active campaigning by the people was the key factor that enabled the government to hold off reclamation plans for a decade. Environmental benefits had for once been prioritized over the potential economic benefits that reclaiming the land might bring, a rare occurrence in the pragmatic Singapore which faces severe land constraints. Here, suggestions made by citizens to improve our lives is one matter; it is only possible for the whole idea of active citizenry to succeed when the open-minded government is receptive to the public’s opinion and implement changes based on their opinions

Factors hindering CS

- CENSORSHIP Censorship has been a major concern amongst many Singaporeans because the government is seen as exerting too much control over the media to the ruling party’s (PAP) favor. For example, when the ‘Far Eastern Economic Review’ published an article about an interview with the opposition leader Chee Soon Juan, who claimed that the government was hiding some things from the public, the publication was banned in Singapore for failing to abide by the Newspaper Printing Presses Act. Censorship is commonly viewed by liberals as an enemy to political empowerment. Moreover, the knowledge or perception that our news may be restricted or controlled may deter Singaporeans from reading the news, since they would not find it credible or see it as a form of propaganda. Citizens should therefore be allowed access to diverse sorts of information to widen their perspective and scope in order to fully understand the world in an objective light, and decide for themselves which is wrong and right. Censorship will mean that credible and valid opposition views do not reach the population and hence the ignorant public deem the PAP to be universally true and correct. A stable dominance of a single party as a psychological and political leader for decades could potentially lead to indifferent and unaware citizens. If one is not politically aware, it is obviously that they will not be empowered to act - thereby leading to apathy.

Civil Society (Unedited)

A civil society is defined as a society where individuals cooperate with one another to tackle their individual and social issues. The civil society also ensures that interest groups without economic and political means of influence are still able to voice out their opinions. There are several factors which can lead to a civil society. However, I think the two key factors are active participation and an open minded government.

Firstly, the basis of a civil society will be the people. After all, a civil society is by the people, for the people. If these individuals do not participate, who will? All the solutions to the various social issues will ultimately be decided by the whole community. Hence the onus is on the people to be aware of their country’s progress and development and most importantly to voice out their opinion to allow the issue to be resolved in the most ideal manner.

A good example will be the Chek Jawa incident. Being only discovered in December 2000, the government intended to reclaim the land for military training and works were scheduled to begin in December 2011. However, the plan received much objection and the public started a petition to preserve Chek Jawa and its unique ecosystem. After much discussion, the government decided to call off the plans to reclaim Chek Jawa. It was the people’s voice which ultimately leads to the decision. If the people are able to take part actively in social discussions, Singapore will take one step closer to become a successful civil society.

Next, opinions of the public can only be heard if we have an open minded government which is open to change. Knowing that the authority will listen to their opinion, the citizens are more willing to voice their ideas in hope to improve the situation. Being more open to the people’s views, it encourages opinions to be heard as people no longer have the fear of being punished if they mention something out of line.

Recently at the aware saga, the government did not interfere with the conflict amongst aware members. Instead, they will only step in only if it threatens the country’s social fabric. This allowed over 3000 members of Aware to participate in extraordinary general meeting to sort out their differences over homosexuality which was generally regarded as a taboo topic. This lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, giving people hope as we move forward towards a civil society.

In conclusion, support from both the people and authority are both required for the materialization of a successful civil society.

Factors supporting civil society

Open government ·       Government releases control on some issues and decision making (mostly social and environmental) ·       Lack of authority in these areas ·       People feel the need for them to exercise their responsibilities as citizens ·       People step in. ·       Eg, rise of NGOs like SEC Upbringing + education ·       Citizens being influenced from young to be active citizens ·       They are more interested in social or political issues ·       They feel a greater sense of responsibility ·       They feel that it is their duty to speak out and participate ·       Eg, during elections, people everywhere talk about election so citizens will be more concerned New media ·       More connected to one another ·       Able to share information and ideas easily ·       Able to learn and be influenced more easily ·       Wider audience can participate ·       More information can be shared and used ·       Social issues will inevitably be discussed ·       Larger scale, larger impact ·       Promote civil society ·       Eg, websites like REACH

Factors hindering civil society

Apathetic people ·       Citizens do not feel sense of responsibility to country ·       They do not care for what happen around them ·       They do not bother knowing more abt the society they live in ·        They do not know the problems ·       They do not feel the need to speak up ·        Eg,  most teenagers in Singapore do not even know their mp Non-inclusive government ·       Government control everything ·       When people want to voice out, they are dealt with be govt who perceive them as national threats ·       People learn that speaking out against government is a bad idea ·       People scared of voicing out ·       Eg, catherine lim, once a jolly hangman… Controlled media ·       Media such as internet is monitored ·       People who voice out ideas can be tracked down ·       People have no freedom ·       Lack of  suitable platform of people to voice views freely ·       Do not dare to voice out opinion

International Conflict

Between countries A)    Definition ·        Disagreement ·        Serious disagreement ·        Armed struggle (Possible outcome of above) ·        Involves at least 2 countries B)      Players/Actors ·       Between individuals (trivial) ·       Between communities ·       Between nations (National interests. Escalate from individual level. Lee vs. Mahathir) Between civilisations. (US&Iran: Western democracy vs Islam) C)     Types ·        Ideological difference ·        Territorial ·        Land ·        Space ·        Airspace, sea ·        Resources ·        Cultural D)     Scale ·       Moderate ·       Serious ·       Destruction ·       Elimination E)     Causes ·        Glory (Asian societies in particular?) = Enhance prestige. Not as rampant now :D ·        History = Man's survival underpinned by ability to think and feel = Past conflicts = source of modern conflicts. ·        Survival = Basic. ·        Security (Extension of survival. Prolong survival) F)     Theories ·       Social Darwinism = fear of compromise. assume people always in conflict ·       Marxism ·       Realpolitik = relations forged out of political interests. might antagonize another G)    Impact Positive ·        Political ·        Economic ·        Social Negative ·        Political ·        Economic ·        Social H)     Conflict Resolution Confrontation ·       War Deterrence (More pragmatic than talking?) ·       Reduce dependence on others ·       Total defense Diplomacy ·       Bilateral cooperation ·       Regional cooperation ·       Multilateral cooperation

Conflict over resources Resources-Materials or substances occurring in nature which can be exploited for economic gain A)    Resources ·        Ensures survival ·        Improves the quality of life-fight over oil may not be for survival B)      Condition (Underpinned by population) ·       Limited supply ·       High demand C)     Theory (Underpinned by population) ·        Theory of scarcity ·        Supply and demand ·        Social Darwinism ·        Maslow’s hierarchy of needs D)     Science and Technology ·       Quantity and quality may or may not be influenced by society ·       Science and technology are available to influence its supply ·       Expensive tech and limited expertise E)     Solutions ·        Look for new sources ·  Substitutes ·  Storage ·  Efficiency ·        Reduce demand ·  Conservation

Conflict over water (specific example) Liquid whatever. Implication on territory. Afterall land holds seas... Lakes, rivers etc. A)    Function of H2O ·        Drinking and daily use ·        Energy ·        Agriculture ·        Industrial B)      State/condition ·       Limited supply ·       High in demand C)     Theory ·        Scarcity ·        Social Darwinism/survival D)     Science and tech ·       Treatment of water ·       Tech is present but expensive ·       Insufficient in creating supply/impractical E)     Solutions a.       Water management ·  External sources ·  New sources ·  Alternative sources ·  Effective and efficient b.      Reduce demand ·  Conservation ·  Efficient distribution

Conflict over space Geographic area belonging to a government A)    Function of space ·        Political ·        Economic ·        Security (Buffer Theory =>Farther frm enemy = more time to react/Golan Heights?) -Air space - Sea lanes B)      State condition ·       Limited supply ·       High in demand C)     Theory ·        Resource and scarcity ·        Social Darwinism/survival of the fittest ·        Realpolitik D)     Science and tech ·       Availability of S&T ·       Competition E)     Conflict solution ·        Diplomatic vs. armed conflict ·        Population control ·        Management ·        Maximize use of space

Conflict over trade A)    Context/origin Age of globalization -Integration of country’s economies -Intensification of economic and financial activities Trade opportunities -Investments (Direct and portfolio) B)      Definition Exchange of goods Transfer of goods and services from ppl to another C)     Theory Profit making Comparative advantage Balance of trade (US & China) Value Adding Manufacturing Merchanting D)     Purpose Political and economic explanation-national survival Build resources and reserves Enhance survival Improve quality of life ‘progress’ and ‘development’ E)     Causes Economic and socio-economic implications: countries are drawn into conflict National level Economic growth Protectionism (create a false demand) Protecting local industries to gain trade advantage Tariff and subsidy used as a form of protection Why? Some local industries are important e.g. Proton (national pride) At the socio-economic level Bread and butter issues Trade creates jobs and employment No job = no money = no food =instability Instability = labour unrest & protests F)     Impact a.      Positive Competitiveness Diversification Prevents protectionism b.     Negative Trade war Protectionism Economic stagnation

Conflict over ideology

A)    What is ideological conflict? ·  A serious disagreement or incongruence over ideology ·  Ideology means: A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of an economic or political theory A set of beliefs characteristic of a social group or individual B)      Purpose · The main purpose behind an ideology is to offer either change in society or an adherence to a set of ideals where conformity already exists, through a normative thought process (universalization) · Supposedly able to improve the quality of life of members of society C)     Type/example ·  Cold and hot wars ·  Clash of civilizations ·  ‘Religious’ conflicts D)     Causes · Inherent conceptual assumptions of ideological views · Ideology postulates the eventual domination over, or worse elimination of, other ideologies · A split in an ideology into different denominations as a result of different interpretation; with each interpretation claiming that its version is right and the others are wrong · A need to survive an secure favored ideology · A history of ideological conflict based on the above factors E)     Impact a. Positive Consolidate and promote a belief(that is if the ideology is meant to create a greater good) Moderation of extremism Universal ideology or belief system(in the event that one ideology prevails over others, other ideologies build around these universal value and the end of conflict-Francis Fukuyama) b.Negative Consolidation and promote a ideology or belief Suspicion and distrust between communities and countries Escalation of conflict at all levels-community, national, international

Causes of Conflict

Resources are the lifeline of the country is the very essentials that countries depend on survival, such as oil fields and rare earths. Most countries, with a limited land size, lack certain resources. Hence, they rely on other countries for these vital resources. When supply of these basic essentials is disrupted in any form such as trade sanctions, conflict naturally occurs since the country’s and its population’s very survival is threatened. One example of this is the Singapore-Malaysia conflict over water. The underlying reason behind this conflict is due to Singapore’s reliance on the supply of water from Malaysia, since Singapore has little or no water of its own. Whenever Malaysia threatened to disrupt vital water supplies such as via price hikes or demands for renegotiations of the water treaty to Singapore, conflict would undoubtedly occur since it is imperative that we continue to get our steady supply of water from Malaysia under our existing agreements with Malaysia. Basic survival is at stake here and it is natural that Singapore would do whatever it takes to secure our water supply. Other than survival, resources are vital to Singapore’s progress, as it is needed in many industries of Singapore, such as pharmaceuticals and food. Without water, these industries will not be able to operate. Thus, conflict can break out between two countries due to disputes over which country should get what and how much of resources.

Ethnic differences between two countries are also a major reason which can trigger conflict on the international scale. Ethnic conflict itself entails a dislike or hatred that members of one ethnic group systematically feel towards another ethnic group due to cultural misunderstandings or disparities such as Shia Islam versus Sunni Islam. It also occurs when their goals and interests are at odds with one another. Conflict then arises when one ethnic group tries to impose their beliefs upon another group, which resists the change. Furthermore, ethnic groups may aspire for statehood where they will have a common interest in terms of religious beliefs or ethnic similarities, sometimes in response to existing or percieved discrimination by other races. Sometimes, ethnic groups or different factions of a same ethnic group are straddled across trans-national boundaries and it is here where ethnic differences can lead to conflict on the international scale. ( THIS IS DOMESTIC)In the Balkan conflict, the attempt to form a "Greater Serbia" and Serbian republics throughout former Yugoslavia by ethnic Serbs was not well-received and opposed by the other ethnic groups such as Bosniaks, Croats and Albanians. It then led to conflict as each tried to drive out the other on their so-called "territory" through “ethnic cleansing” such as Srebrenica massacre where more than 8000 Bosniaks were massacred by Serbian units as well as warfare which resulted in a civil war that started in 1990 and ended only in 1995. This is under their ultimate goal of assembling a more unified, contiguous and larger territory for their nation-state which was based on ethnic lines. This resulted in conflict because the interests that different ethnic groups were pursuing were in conflict, such as opposing goals and interests that might adversely affect one another. Hence, ethnic differences can cause conflict on the international scale.

Another possible cause of international conflict could be the issue of national security. This arises when one country suspects that another country possesses weapons or information that would pose a threat to national security. In order to remove the threat to their national security, the country would pre-emptively engage the perpetrator in negotiations in the hope of neutralizing the threat, like nuclear disarmament. When the perpetrator resists and refuses to comply, or are deemed untrustworthy and arouse suspicion, the countries involved might confront each other, resulting in escalation of conflict, which might eventually lead to war. The U.S.-Iraq conflict is a good example illustrating this. The belief that Iraq possesses weapons of mass destructions compiled with Iraq past history of aggression compiled US to pre-emptively invade Iraq for national security reasons. Additionally, Iraq was alleged to sponsor terrorist organizations and the 11 Sept 2001 terrorist attack affirmed this. Clearly, Iraq was against the United States' national interests, and threatened US security. This caused the US and Coalition forces to invade Iraq in 2003. Hence, protecting national security can be a major cause of an international conflict.

Territorial disputes is also one of the main reasons why conflict transcends national boundaries. It arises when the sovereignty of a country is threatened by another, either by conflicting claims to sovereignty, trespassing or invasion. Territory is an integral part of statehood. Territory has been and still is a symbol of might for the country, as well as a resource to the country. Being in control of one's territory is the most basic form of exercising  power over one's country. If a country's land is threatened, then the powers of the country's rulers are being contested aggressively. This leads to disputes arising, with the country trying to reassert power over their territory to protect sovereignty.One example where such disputes have resulted in conflict is the Singapore-Malaysia conflict over Pedra Branca island. Singapore has conducted operations and run the island since British colonial rule (1912). However, in 1979, Malaysia resurfaced the issue of sovereignty by publishing a map with Pedra Branca as part of its territory and made rival claims on the island. Singapore disagreed and neither side could come to a compromise. The dispute over who owned the island escalated when Malaysia held a joint military exercise with Indonesia, with politicians from both sides arguing heatedly. It ultimately resulted in the 2 parties going to the International Court of Justice to settle the issue. As a result, Singapore won ownership of the main island, while Malaysia won a rocky outcrop nearby known as Middle Rocks. Thus it can be seen that territorial disputes are a key reason for international conflict.

Ideological differences are also one of the main reasons why conflict occurs on the international scale. Quite often, differences in ideologies can cause radical conflicts. Ideologies are principles or values in which people believe in, something they believe will protect their interests. It is the basis of governance of their countries, as well as the mindset the people adopt for issues that concern the nation. Furthermore, countries usually seek to spread their ideologies to other countries, in the hope that other countries will benefit from a 'better system'.For example, a clash of political ideologies between the democratic US and communist Soviets ultimately resulted in the Korean War. The United States feared that a communist Korea peninsula would result in the “Domino Effect” in which communism would spread to other parts of Asia. Hence the United States and coalition forces were willing to defend South Korea when it was invaded by North Korea with communist aid, resulting in a long-drawn proxy war between the two superpowers. One side of the war supported progress of Communism, while the other Democracy and capitalism. This shows that ideological differences is a significant impetus of conflict that might even result in a multinational war.

Historical differences too are a flashpoint over which conflict will erupt between countries. Man's survival is underpinned by his ability to remember and feel. This ability to remember will allow them to recall and remember past events and past conflicts with other countries. Such a recollection or memory will then serve as the base for which conflicts over possibly the same or similar issue will erupt again due to past feelings and emotions that may include patriotism and disagreement over how one should react in response to these past events such as in the case of China,Japan and Korea over the issue of World War 2. During World War 2, Japan committed atrocities in China and Korea such as rape and massacre which ethnic Chinese and Koreans hate Japan for. Hence, whenever the Japanese Prime Minister pays a visit to the Yasukuni Shrine to pay respect to war criminals that helped propagate war efforts, conflict in the form of protests and a war of words between Japanese lawmakers and her PM, Koizumi Junichiro and President Roh Moo Hyun of Korea arised because these countries would feel that Japan should not have glorified such Class A war criminals and is an insult but Japan would beg to differ. Hence, showing that historical difference are indeed a key cause of conflicts between countries.