SBQ :Issue: Effectiveness of United Nations in carrying out its aims

Study the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.

You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

1 (a) Study Source A.


What does Source A tells you about UN's commitment to its aims? Explain your answer. [5]

(b) Study Source B.
How useful is Source B in aiding your understanding of the effectiveness of UN? Explain your answer. [7]

(c) Study Source C.
Does Source C prove that UN has the support of the international community? Explain your answer. [6]

(d) Study Source D and E.
Evaluate the differences between Source D and E. [7]


Issue: Effectiveness of United Nations in carrying out its aims



Background
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achieving world peace. The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II to stop wars between countries and to provide a platform for dialogue.
There are currently 192 member states, including nearly every recognized independent state in the world. From its headquarters on international territory in New York City, the UN and its specialized agencies decide on substantive and administrative issues in regular meetings held throughout the year. The organization is divided into administrative bodies, primarily:
The General Assembly (the main deliberative assembly);
The Security Council (decides certain resolutions for peace and security);
The Economic and Social Council (assists in promoting international economic and social cooperation and development);
The Secretariat (provides studies, information, and facilities needed by the UN);
The International Court of Justice (the primary judicial organ).
Additional bodies deal with the governance of all other UN System agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).



Source A An abstract from an interview with Lord Robertson, Chairman of the Commission for Global Road Safety, which proposed a global ministerial conference to United Nations.




I am delighted that the UN has today recognised the scale of human suffering and economic loss caused by road traffic deaths and injuries [by approving the proposal]. Now we must ensure that the UN Conference is not just another talking shop, but secures real commitments and takes real action to reverse the tide of global road deaths.




Source B An Abstract from The Times, “Bush deploys hawk as new UN envoy”, dated 8th March 2005

Bush nomination of John Bolton as US Ambassador to the United Nations is seen by many as an aggressive move. Mr Bolton once said:“There is no such thing as the United Nations. There is only the international community, which can only be led by the only remaining superpower, which is the United States." He also stated that "The [UN] Secretariat building in New York has 38 stories. If you lost ten stories today, it wouldn't make a bit of difference."

Source C An abstract of a report on a public poll conducte.d for BBC World Service by international polling company GlobeScan published on World Public Opinion’s website dated 24 January 2006

In 30 of the 32 countries polled, a majority (23 countries) rated the United Nations as having a positive influence. On average 59 percent rated the United Nations as having a positive influence, while just 16 percent rated it as having a negative influence.
However, among the 19 countries that were polled in December 2004 and again in the current poll, the percentage giving the U.N. a positive rating is down an average of 10 points.

Source D An abstract from an article taken from a blog in response to the controversies surrounding UN

Haitian underage girls are now paying for taking help from the UN. They have been sexually exploited by Sri Lankan UN peace-keepers for less than $1. Haitian feminists have now woken up to the problem and are demanding inquires by the UN. Olga Benoit of Haitian Women’s Solidarity recalls another case involving two Pakistani soldiers about two years ago. These men in uniform had raped a mentally challenged woman whom they were supposed to protect.
Poor girls in this horribly impoverished nation are just cattle for both Haitian men and their foreign protectors. Excessively patriarchal Haiti chooses to look the other way when girls are exploited. After all, a dollar is better than no money at all.

Source E Brazilian UN soldiers help a handicapped child as they distribute food and a program of music to celebrate peace in the Cite Soleil slum of Port-au-Prince, 25 April 2007

Try to check the answer after you have done the question.

Study Source A
What does Source A tells you about UN’s commitment to its aims? Explain your answer. (5)

(Note from the Ess: This set of answer only have ICE Inference Content and Explanation. If you got two ICE it is o.k.)

Source A tells me that UN is committed to its aims of fostering cooperation in international law, economic development, social progress.(Inference) Based on Source A, “UN today recognised the scale of human suffering and economic loss caused by approving the proposal”(Content). This shows that when called for action by the global community, UN will take immediate actions. Hence, showing that UN is committed to its cause. (Explanation)

In addition, from Source A, “UN conference is not just another talking shop, but secures real commitments and takes real action to reverse the tide of global road deaths.”(Content) This shows that UN does try to involve leaders in the world to work together in solving global issues. (Inference +explanation)

Source A shows that UN may sometime falter in carrying out its programme to achieve its aims.(Inference) From Source A, ““UN conference is not just another talking shop, but secures real commitments and takes real action to reverse the tide of global road deaths.”(Content) This shows that sometimes decisions made were not carried out by the member countries. (Explanation)

(Note from the Ess. You can also ICE the POA which means you infer the purpose and get the content and explanation to support your inference. Do not forget the outcome)


The speaker's purpose in saying that he was delighted that the UN has recognised the scale of human suffering is trying to hint (Purpose words) that the UN did not recognised the human suffering in the past. It is said in an ironic tone. He wants the conference to be a real effective (outcome) one instead of "another talking shop" as he does not seems to have enough faith in the UN. He hope that he can" secures real commitments and takes real action to reverse the tide of global road deaths." Therefore Source A tells me that the UN is not totally committed to its aims.

(b) Study Source B
How useful is Source B in aiding your understanding of the effectiveness of UN? Explain your answer. [7]

Yes. Source B is useful in aiding my understanding of the effectiveness of UN. Source B suggests that one of the reasons for UN ineffectiveness was the commitment and support from member countries. From Source B, “Bush nomination of John Bolton to United Nations is seen by many as an aggressive move”. This suggests that one of the problems which UN faces is the support of its member countries. This information suggests that the some of its member countries has its own agenda when sending envoys to UN and they may not be supportive of UN’s stance.

This is further supported by information from Source C, “among 19 countries polled in December 2004 and again in the current poll, the percentage giving the UN a positive rating is down” Since more countries are seeing UN as having a less positive influence. This suggests that they would be less supportive of UN’s actions and decisions. This concurs with that of Source B. Hence, Source B is useful to my understanding of UN limitations.

However, Source B has its limitations. Source B shows comments and reaction from one source. It does not represent the reaction from all member countries. Source B does not represent the extend of UN’s problems.

(Note from the Ess Notice, the Ying Yang (useful and not useful aspect) +cross reference) You must have these three elements to score full marks.

(c)Study Source C. Does Source C prove that UN has the support of the international community? Explain your answer.

(Explain why it does not prove)

No, Source C does not prove that UN has the support of the international community. From Source C, “average 59 percent rated the United Nations as having a positive influence, while just 16 percent rated it as having a negative influence”. This shows that out of the countries polled, there are some which thinks that UN has a negative influence. If these countries do not see UN in a positive light they would be less likely to be supportive of what UN does.

(Cross ref to support)

In addition, cross-referenced against Source D, “Haitian underage girls are now paying for taking help from the UN. They have been sexually exploited by Sri Lankan UN peace-keepers” This shows that UN peacekeepers are not helping the people in need. This agrees with Source C in saying that there are countries which does not see UN as a positive influence. Hence, Source C is unreliable to prove that UN has the support of the international community.

(Explain why it does prove)

However, we can trust Source C that it does prove that UN is getting the support from the international community. As Source C is a factual source, with neutral tone. It does not take side of the UN. It is a report by an international polling company which has no stake in UN. The purpose of the source is to inform the public about the popularity of UN.

(d) Study Source D and E
Evaluate the differences between Source D and E. [7]

Source D and E are similar in identifying the role of the UN peacekeeping troops. (Comparing statement) From Source D, “raped a mentally challenged woman whom they were supposed to protect” and from Source E showing UN soldiers helping a boy by carrying him. Both sources inform us that UN’s role in the countries that they were deployed to is to help the people.

Source D and E are different in assessing the service rendered by UN troops. (comparing statement)

Source D shows that UN peacekeeping troops were a negative addition to the people. From Source D, “they have been sexually exploited by Sri Lankan UN peace-keepers”, these men in uniform had raped a mentally challenged woman whom they were supposed to protect” This shows that instead of helping the people in need, UN soldiers are adding to their misery.

On the other hand, Source E shows that UN soldiers are a positive addition to the people. From Source E, UN soldiers were carrying a handicapped boy. This shows that UN soldiers were doing good in the place that they are helping. Hence, Source D and E are different.

Source D and E are different in their purpose by depicting UN soldiers in different light. (Comparing statement)

Source D’s purpose in to vilify UN soldiers by discussing the ill-behaviours of UN soldiers, the author hopes to highlight the negative behaviours of the soldiers in hope the UN take action against such acts.

On the other hand, Source E is glorifying the works of UN troops by showing UN soldiers doing a good job in the country they are helping. The photographer may be attempting to gather more support for UN.

(Note from the Ess. Notcie the structure of the answer. You have a comparing statement then you find ifnormation in Source D and Source C to support the comparing statement.)

Membership in Asean

(Note from the Ess : This answer is obtained from the specimen papers and mark schemes from the University of Cambridge International Examinations and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board. Draw your own inference)

To what extent is Singapore's membership of ASEAN due to its wish to promote economic development in the region? Explain your answer.

Issue: Reasons for Singapore to join ASEAN

Given Factor : To promote economic development
Alternative Factor: To promote regional peace and security

Rank:
Primary reason : To promote regional peace and security

Secondary reason : to promote economic development.
There must be peace and prosperity in ASEAN before economic development can take place.

The aims and purposes of the ASEAN are: (1) to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and (2) to promote regional peace and stability.

ASEAN promotes trade between members and encourages outside countries like Japan to invest in the region. Singapore wants to promote economic development in the region because this will increase trade and other forms of economic partnerships, which means there will be more jobs and increase prosperity. An international organization like ASEAN can help countries work together and encourage other countries to invest in the region, so clearly Singapore will want to be a member.

However, this is not the only reason why Singapore is a member of ASEAN.It is really about helping the neighbouring countries in matters of common interest. For example, when the haze situation affected some Southeast Asian countries in 1997, Singapore helped Indonesia in monitoring forest fires through the use of satellite images. By helping Indonesia, Singapore has establish good diplomatic relationship with her neighbours. In this way, regional peace and security can be maintained and even strengthen.

However economic factors and the need to get along with your neighbours are equally important. It stands to reason that if you are enemies with a country, then you will not want to trade with them. So Singapore's membership of ASEAN is not just for one reason. If there is co-operation and friendship between nations on diplomatic matters,then they will be more inclined to share economic interest. Therefore Singapore's membership in ASEAN is due to the twin reason of promoting economic development and regional peace and security.

SEQ Diplomacy and Deterrance

Is diplomacy a more effective measure than Total Defence to ensure Singapore's security? Explain your answer.

Issue : Singapore’s security

Given measure : Diplomacy

Alternative measure : Total Defence

Rank Order

More effective measure to ensure Singapore’s security
· Total Defence (necessary but not sufficient measure)

Supporting measure to ensure Singapore’s security
· Diplomacy (part of the measures for Singapore’s security but not sufficient)

(Yes I know that this is perhaps one of the longer essay. You need not write down everything just summaries and provide one or two examples.In fact you can spilt this essay into two)

Diplomacy is the way in which countries manage or conduct relations with one another. Its main aim is to promote common interests and to resolves conflicting interests in a peaceful manner. Developing good diplomatic relationships with many countries is an effective measure to ensure Singapore security but not sufficient.

Singapore must also have the ability to defend herself. That is why Total Defence was introduced in 1984 to involve every Singaporean in the defence of the country. However it can be effective only when all Singaporeans believe that Singapore is worth defending, and are involved in the defence efforts. Total Defence is about the different things Singaporeans can do every day in every sector of the society to strengthen the people’s resilience as a nation. It is a necessary but insufficient measure to ensure Singapore’s security.

Diplomacy is one measure that Singapore uses to ensure her security. It provides opportunity for countries to pursue mutual interests. It also enables them to cooperate with one another and resolve conflicts, differences and disagreements peacefully.

Diplomacy can be achieved through bilateral relations. For example, Singapore has been actively involved in building its diplomatic ties with other countries. She has been expanding bilateral relationships with many countries since its independence. With bilateral relations, Singapore was able to further promote political, economic, and cultural ties with neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. As a result, with bilateral relations, countries will help each other when things get out of hand. Because they have developed good diplomatic relationship, they are less willing to declare war with each other as they prefer to use peaceful means to solve their differences. Therefore promoting bilateral relation is one measure Singapore has used to ensure her security.

Diplomacy can also be achieved through regional relations as with regional relations, Singapore will be able to become stronger by combining the strengths of member countries. It will, therefore, be in a better position in dealing with other countries. This form of diplomacy ensures the security of Singapore because it provides an opportunity for Singapore to collaborate with other countries to pursue mutual interests which will benefit everyone. The collaboration of countries include helping one another to solve common problems such as transnational terrorism, SARS and the avian flu that threatens the security of Singapore. Diplomacy through regional relations also helps Singapore to resolve her conflicts, differences and disagreements with other countries peacefully. An example of a regional organization that can safeguard the security of Singapore is ASEAN. It allows Singapore to resolve occasional disputes with member countries peacefully. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in which Singapore is a member also helps to ensure the security of Singapore since it promotes political and security dialogues that tackles security issues and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Diplomacy achieved through international relations can also help to ensure Singapore’s security. For example, Singapore is also part of the United Nation (UN), which has a membership of 192 countries. Singapore’s membership in the UN helps it to maintain its independence and territorial integrity. The Security Council of the UN helps to maintain international peace and security which is especially important for a small country like Singapore. Therefore by being a member of UN, it helps to ensure Singapore’s security.

However, cultivating good diplomatic relationship alone will not ensure Singapore’s security nor is it a more effective measure than Total Defence. Singapore need to have Total Defence to deter potential enemy incase diplomacy fails.

Total Defence is an effective measure in ensure Singapore’s security. It was introduced in 1984 to involve everyone in the defence of Singapore and strengthen the people’s resilience as a nation. Potential aggressors will think twice about attacking Singapore if they face the entire nation and not just the armed forces. Total Defence comprises of 5 aspects: Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological Defence.

Military defence is one aspect in Total Defence. In Singapore, we have a large citizen armed force of over 350 thousand soldiers which is operationally ready to deter potential aggressors. Besides that, the armed forces is also on the way to be transformed into an intelligent defence force where surveillance and strike systems of the Air Force, Navy and Army operate together to provide early intelligence which would help to destroy the enemy even before they can locate us. The fighting capability of the armed forces is also enhanced by the presence of the defence industry which helped it develop into an effective fighting force through the use of latest defence technologies, weapons and equipment. In this way, the security of Singapore is ensured as our level of deterrence is heightened and our enemy would think twice before they plan to attack Singapore.

Civil defence aspect in Total Defence also contribute to the security of Singapore. It can also be strengthen through the emphasis on civil readiness. Social defence aspect in Total Defence refers to the unity of multi-ethnic groups in Singapore in the face of social crisis such as a terrorist attack that seeks to pull ethnic groups apart. Social defence could be achieved through activities such as emergency preparedness exercises, and activities that promote inter-racial and interreligious understanding. Psychological defence aspect in Total Defence refers to the intangible aspect of defence which emphasizes on the need to have pride and loyalty and wanting to stand up and defend Singapore from security threats. It helps the people overcome social challenges and stand together in unity to face those challenges boldly as a nation. By developing these five aspects of Total Defence Singapore’s security is ensured as our potential enemy is aware that it will not be easy to conquer Singapore.

In conclusion, by developing Total Defence she present a strong deterrent to prevent any country from attacking her. This is a necessary measures but it is insufficient as she needs to minimize the possibilities of these countries from attacking her through the forming of friendships and reducing hostilities with other countries through the development of good diplomatic relationship.

However, it can be argued that a strong deterrent signal through Total Defence will help to safeguard the security of Singapore even in times when diplomacy fails completely.
Having diplomacy alone will not guarantee that Singapore’s security can be ensured since no physical aggression by foreign countries can be anticipated with certainty. Therefore diplomacy is not the more effective measure in ensuring Singapore’s security.


Notes from the Ess : Answers that focus only on those diplomatic measures that Singapore employs but has no relation to how they could contribute to Singapore’s security will not be accepted

Similarly answers that focus only on those Total Defence aspects that has no clear link to how they could contribute to Singapore’s security will receive no marks.