What Threatened the New Nation, and Who Are the Key Figures?

This was significant because the Vietnam War became a Cold War conflict in Singapore's own region. After 1965, Singapore's government feared the fighting would spread and make Singapore unstable.

This marked the start of a serious threat to Singapore's security, with fighting on the Borneo border and bombings in Singapore. It began while Singapore was still part of Malaysia and continued after independence, until 1966.

This showed that Konfrontasi was a serious threat to Singapore itself, as three people were killed and 33 injured. The execution of the two bombers in 1968 later strained relations with Indonesia.

This contributed to Singapore's sense of danger, as it became independent just as the war was growing. Like other non-communist governments in Southeast Asia, it feared communism would spread across the region.

This was significant because Singapore's independence was now recognised around the world, just over a month after separation. Recognition made it harder for a hostile country to claim Singapore had no right to exist.

This removed one threat, but Konfrontasi left bitterness between Singapore and Indonesia. As a result, mending that relationship became an important task for Singapore's diplomacy.

This was significant because, since 1819, Singapore had relied on the British to defend it. As a result, Singapore faced being almost undefended, with too few soldiers and jobs at risk, so it had to build its own defences quickly.

This marked the foundation of Singapore's deterrence, as conscription quickly filled the SAF with trained men. Later in the chapter, National Service is put through the three tests of historical significance.

This enabled Singapore to make its own ammunition and weapons, such as the M16S1 rifle. As a result, the SAF could keep going even if foreign supplies were cut off.

This showed Singapore's use of diplomacy, as it became a founding member of a regional organisation. Through ASEAN, neighbours cooperated instead of fighting, which gave Singapore recognition and a voice.

This was significant because, as most British forces left, five countries agreed to consult one another if Singapore or Malaysia were attacked. It showed that deterrence and diplomacy worked together, so Singapore was not left alone.

This marked the end of direct US involvement, but the fighting in Vietnam went on until 1975. As a result, Singapore's fear that the war might spread through the region had not yet gone away.

This showed that international terrorism could reach Singapore, as foreign terrorists attacked the Pulau Bukom refinery and took hostages. Careful negotiation, with S. R. Nathan's team flying with the hijackers to Kuwait, ended the crisis.

This marked the end of the Vietnam War, with the communist North victorious. It showed why non-communist governments in the region, including Singapore, feared that communism might spread to neighbouring countries.