Impact of conflicts in northern Ireland Political instability:

There is a political instability as the Catholics decided to participate in civil rights marches to put pressure on the Northern Ireland government to end discrimination against Catholics. The situation worsened when a peaceful march in 1972 was shoot by British Army. The Bloody Sunday resulted in 13 civilian dead. The Catholic homes were also sometimes bombed by Protestant mobs. Business and pubs which belonged to Catholics were also bombed. The local police who witnessed these incidents did not do anything to stop them. As a result, the Catholics did not have a faith in the Northern Ireland government. Some of them decided to support militant group such as IRA who are prepared to use force and violence to achieve their means. It is damaging to the country as the government now had to face threats from IRA. This is also contributing to the continuous fighting leading to damages to property and loss of lives. It has militarized the conflict and prevented it from being resolved peacefully.

Economic decline: The conflict has also affected the countrys economy. It has led to the economic decline. The violence in the country has discouraged foreign investments. These foreign-owned factories closed down when violence increased operating costs. The constant threat of bombings and high cost of security drive away large manufacturers in great numbers. Tourism has also declined as the violence frightens away tourists. It is damaging to the country as it lost its main income. In 1980s, the unemployment rate was 16%, which is the highest one since the beginning of the conflict. The fall in income meant that the government had fewer funds to build up infrastructures such as education, transport and housing. Social segregation: People in northern Ireland have grown up in an atmosphere of tension an violence. The Protestant and Catholics have been divided socially in the way the live, work, play and study. As a result, it is possible for young people to grow up not having met someone from the other community at all. This is damaging to the country as it led to a lack of understanding between the two groups and the young generation grow up harboring feelings of

distrust and resentment towards each other, which prevented the problem being solved peacefully.

Deterrence policies Military cooperation:

Military cooperation plays an important role in Singapores deterrence. Singapore conducts military cooperation with other countries through bilateral and multilateral military agreements, joint military exercise, training programs and participation in the un peacekeeping mission. Singapore has military agreements with various countries like France, Australia, NZ, and India to allow Singapore troops to train in their lands. This is due to the lack of suitable training lands Through this, SAF would be able to improve their combat skills as well as forging strong military bonds with other countries, which will enhance Singapores security. Singapore is involved in multilateral military agreements. One example is the Five Power Defence Arrangements, 1971, where the five member countries conduct exercises each year to enhance their cooperation and coordination. In the event of an external threat against Singapore or Malaysia, members would consult each other on the appropriate measures to be taken to deter the aggressor. With military cooperation with other countries, Singapore can enhance its military skills and widen its experience. Therefore it is effective in strengthening our defence.

Citizen armed force:

A citizen armed force is another important factor. It provided the role of deterrence, preventing enemy states from trying to invade Singapore. All 18-year old able-bodied man are called up for nation service where they will serve and learn military skills for 2 years, in armed force, air force, and the navy. Upon completion of full-time national service, the man undergo training for 13 years for maximum 40 days per year as operationally ready man. There is also a refresher course to ensure that they maintain competence in handling new weapons and equipment and learn new war tactics. Thus, national service plays an important role in Singapore national building and through it, Singaporean learn how to defend their country. They also develop a sense of loyalty, patriotism and a shared destiny. All these ensure that they are ready to defend Singapore. This will make any aggressor think twice before attacking as they would be up

against a well-trained and well-prepared armed force. Total defence The readiness to defend its independence and survival is vital to any country. Singapore recognizes that its civilian population has to be prepared for its defence and security. Through total defence, the whole population and not just the armed forces, has a part to play in ensuring Singapores security. Singapore seeks to deter potential aggressors by showing that all Singaporeans are prepared for defence in all areas.. Under total defence, there are 5 components, psychological defence, social, civil, economic and military. All Singaporeans have faith in Singapore and believe that Singapore is worth defending. Psychological defence. Singaporeans are united at all times and are not divided by racial or religious differences. Social defence. The government also ensures that the economy is strong and will be able to provide for the nation in the time of crisis and at the same time, support the military. Economic defence. The country ensures that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Civil defence. With the military support, any potential aggressor who wants to attack Singapore will not only have to fight the SAF but also take on all Singaporeans. Singaporeans can be self-reliant in defending their motherland. The enemy will realize that attacking Singapore is a costly attempt, which should be avoided, thereby deterring the potential aggressor. Reasons why countries come to conflict Dispute on territories:

Control over certain tracts of land can mean a lot to a country as the land is important for national defence and pride. Sometimes countries try to extend their control over territories which do not belong to them. If the territory invaded is claimed by two countries or more, it can result in conflicts among countries. Example: conflict between India and China In 1947, when India gained independence, it inherited the former frontier drawn by British. China protested that it had not agreed to the frontier. Two border regions become areas of conflicts Aksai Chin plateau (western end of frontier)

North east frontier agency (eastern end of frontier) In late 1950s, the China protest Indians presence in several areas. in 1958, China announced that it had built a road on Aksai Chin plateau. India government argued that the road violated its territorial rights. In 1959, tensions between two countries worsened as fighting broke out. By 1961, china had occupied even more lands that India regarded as its own. India government demanded the return of these land but china refused. In 1962, war broke out which quickly ended. Conflict has not been solved but two countries had signed an agreement to address the their border issue. Competition over scarce resources:

The natural resources in the world are not evenly distributed. Some countries more of certain resources while others have less. Natural resources are important as they are needed for a countrys economic survival. A shortage of resources may affect a country adversely. Conflicts rise when a country uses force to gain resources Example: the conflict between Britain and Iceland over scarce resources in 1975 Fish stocks are important for Iceland as it has few natural resources and depends on its fishing industry for its survival. Hence, when British fishermen continued to fish within its zone of control, Iceland felt its national interest was threaten. Conflicts arose when Iceland tried to protect its fishing resource.

Different ideology:

Counties pursuing different ideologies can come into conflict