Singapore and the Cold War, 1965-1991
H1 History - syllabus 8838, 2027
How a vulnerable new state managed relations with the USA, USSR and China, and responded to the Third Indochina War, and what shaped its choices.
- A vulnerable new state, 1965
Singapore became independent in 1965 as a tiny state without resources, which made survival the core of its foreign policy.
- Relations with the USA
Singapore supported a strong American presence in Southeast Asia as a balance against communist powers, while keeping its independence.
- Relations with the USSR
Singapore traded with the USSR and kept diplomatic ties, but it was wary of Soviet naval power and condemned Soviet-backed aggression.
- Relations with China
Singapore moved slowly towards China, building trade and contacts but delaying formal ties until after Indonesia in 1990.
- Singapore and the Third Indochina War
Singapore was one of the strongest opponents of Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia, defending the principle that small states must not be invaded.
- Realism or anti-communism? A worked judgement
Singapore was anti-communist, but realism explains its foreign policy better: whenever anti-communism and national interest pulled apart, it followed its interest.
- Weighing the factors behind Singapore's choices
National interests set Singapore's aims. Regional and Cold War developments shaped when and how it acted.
- Put it together: Singapore's choices
Choose a relationship and see how Singapore balanced its interests.
What you will be able to do
I can judge how Singapore responded to the Cold War in Southeast Asia, and why.
Syllabus 8838, Theme III, Learning Outcomes. evaluate Singapore's responses to the development of the Cold War in Southeast Asia
Taught in A vulnerable new state, 1965, Relations with the USA, Relations with the USSR, Relations with China, Singapore and the Third Indochina War, Realism or anti-communism? A worked judgement, Weighing the factors behind Singapore's choices