# data[].attributes.body
Singapore is still traumatized from when Britain failed to defend it from the Japanese

# data[].attributes.body
we still have to protect ourselves as countries other than our neighbouring countries might decide to invade us in the future

# data[].attributes.headline
Reasons why Singapore should not be so militarised

# data[].attributes.subject
Reasons why Singapore should not be so militarised

# data[].attributes.body
1. In the case of a military threat, Singapore stands no chance against larger and stronger countries. A war taking place on Singapore land would devastate the small country and having a strong military would just harm the larger country slightly without protecting Singapore citizens.
2. There is a lack of threats toward Singapore. Singapore has no natural resources and provides no reason for invasion.

# data[].attributes.body
we are a highly developed country with a lot of resources, hence we have the financial capacity to spend money on our military. however, some may question the use of such weapons that the Singapore government has spent money on, namely, the newest fighter planes. Most of the time, such fighter planes are only used during NDP to show off singapore's military power.

# data[].attributes.body
Military to gives people a sense of security. Attracts more foreign investors in.

# data[].attributes.body
Our strong military helps to deter our neighbouring countries from threatening us

# data[].attributes.body
SG is a small country and needs to protect itself because it's a developed country etc. and other countries may want to let SG become a part of their country.

# data[].attributes.body
we may be on good terms but we must always be prepared for any scenario. other countries' attitudes towards us can change very quickly and we must be prepared to protect ourselves, especially since we are such a small country

# data[].attributes.body
we are one of the most militarised country in the world because we are small and i think us having a great military does not affect us having good terms with our neighbours

# data[].attributes.body
In comparison to the size of other countries, Singapore is at an immediate disadvantage since we have less manpower to work with in the case of international military conflict. As such, we need to be more militarized in order to stand a chance of having a good defence against external threats.

However, some may argue that the presence of the military is unnecessary since Singapore already holds soft power in an international context.  Singapore is considered a country to learn from in many areas, such as in our urban planning, political model, environmental technology and so on. This has allowed us to maintain many diplomatic relationships with other countries.

In response to that argument, I believe we still need the presence of this military in order to assert to other countries the fact that we are still able to defend ourselves, lest they see Singapore as an easy target to bully or coerce into helping them.  International relationships can be volatile and attitudes against or towards other countries can change in a moment's span. Having a greater military foundation gives the impression that we are not afraid to stand against threats and coercion if need be.

# data[].attributes.body
it is always better to be prepared since political and diplomatic relations between countries can be rather volatile, especially during trade disagreements, etc.

If any countries decide to go to war with us, we have to be prepared to fight back and defend ourselves

# data[].attributes.body
if we do not have a strong military, other countries could see us as weak and could easily target us

# data[].attributes.body
1. To give citizens the peace of mind: if Singapore had a weak defence system, Singaporeans would feel unsafe to live in Singapore. We never know what could happen in the future, so we want to be prepared in the event of war/tensions.

2. To let other country's know that Singapore is well-protected: This makes them respect us as a country and deters them from turning against us as they know we have the power to retaliate

# data[].attributes.body
maybe bcoz Sg wants to invade other countries O_O (so that we can expand our land size and resources)

# data[].attributes.body
Because you never know when the neighbours will change their mind about liking us

# data[].attributes.body
Perhaps because of past experiences such as the Japanese Occupation. It teaches Singaporeans to never let their guard down and continue putting up a strong military defence to prevent potential invasions.

# data[].attributes.body
there are always potential threats around and it is important to build a good military even despite having good relations. other countries can turn against us at any time.

# data[].attributes.body
It can be on good terms with its neighbours BECAUSE of its military.

# data[].attributes.body
Even though Singapore is on good terms with its neighbours, it is still important to develop our military systems so that it will be robust enough to protect us from future or potential threats. It also serves as a reminder to other nations that we are not to be "bullied" and that we can protect ourselves. Also considering that Singapore is a small nation with high population density, it is important to protect whatever land we have and the people who live there.

# data[].attributes.body
Relations between countries are quite vulnerable, a lot of the time it might just be temporary, so we would rather be safe than sorry.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that Singapore is heavily militarised to protect itself from potential threats. It wouldn't make sense to start building up our military after conflicts ensue. Singapore's heavy investment into national service isn't purely for military purposes as well, it helps to instil a sense of nationalism and increase youth employment

# data[].attributes.body
1. It is precisely because Singapore is heavily militarised that it is on good terms with other countries. Its strong military can serve as a form of soft power (it's a good example) but also could be a threat to its enemies.
2. Regimes can change and neighbours can quickly turn into enemies, so it is best to be prepared for such a situation.
3. Singapore could be an attractive country to invade and overtake, so invasion is an active threat that Singapore needs to defend against.

# data[].attributes.body
Singapore is a small country, meaning that if we don't have a strong military, we can easily be taken control of. While having diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries is helpful in protecting our peace, the world is very volatile, and countries' attitudes towards us can change any minute from friendly to hostile. Thus, it is important for Singapore to invest in having a powerful military to deter other countries from getting hostile with us