The Little RED dot.

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Article 4

The dispute over Pedra Branca between Malaysia and Singapore are an example of how effective diplomacy is practice. Singapore and Malaysia started fighting over this territory when a map, claiming Pedra Branca, was published by Malaysia. To make matters worse, PM of Malaysia personally made an unannounced visit to the vicinity of the island, sparking further tension. Instead of taking offense, both countries agreed in submitting the dispute to the ICJ (International Court of Justice). The court ruled that Pedra Branca is under Singapore’s soversignty and both countries respect and adhere to this decision. Fishermen from other both countries could continue traditional fishing activities from those areas

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedra_Branca_dispute http://deterdiplo.wiki.hci.edu.sg/Diplomacy+Case+Study+-+Pedra+Branca

Reflection

This dispute has shown us how international relations has averted trouble between neighboring states, not only resolving a potentially disastrous territorial dispute but also strengthening the ties between the two nations, allowing them to work together to protect the common interests of their people.
In order for Singapore to enjoy trades incentive and other benefits, Singapore must maintain a good and healthy relationship with other countries. Diplomacy helps to provide an opportunity for countries to pursue mutual interests and helps countries to resolve conflicts, differences and disagreements peacefully. Just like the Pedra Branca dispute, Singapore and Malaysia manage to resolve this conflict without affecting their relationship. On top of that, fishermen from other countries can also continue traditional fishing activities from those areas which allow the Malaysia in keeping this interest, hence further improve their relationship.
Diplomacy also allows Singapore to receive helps from other countries in times of needs. The build-up of friendship between countries by diplomacy helps Singapore to enjoy political, social and economic benefits during emergency like an economic crisis. Just like the Pedra Branca dispute, the Malaysia accepted to the ICJ decision even though Singapore has the upper hand. This improves the ties between both countries and Singapore benefit form this economically.
Thus, I feel that diplomacy is essential to Singapore as Singapore reply more on external trades and security. Singapore cannot be existed without the help from the other countries. Trades, tourism are heavily relying on the inter-connectedness among countries. Without Diplomacy, there will not be Singapore today.

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