cover image: Operation Inherent Resolve: Understanding Singapore’s Participation in Multilateral Overseas Operations

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Operation Inherent Resolve: Understanding Singapore’s Participation in Multilateral Overseas Operations

24 Jan 2023

IAN LI and THOMAS LIM observe that despite the potential risks of involvement and questions over its relevance to Singapore’s interests, participation in the coalition was ultimately motivated by three overarching considerations — a greater appreciation of the impact of transnational threats, the importance of the rules-based international order to Singapore, and the potential operational benefits. [...] Indeed, in 2003, when SAF personnel were sent to join the multinational effort to assist in the task of rebuilding and restoring peace and stability in Iraq, the government had to address concerns expressed in parliament regarding the potential risks involved in such a deployment and its relevance to Singapore’s own interests. [...] The 2017 siege of Marawi in the Philippines also brought the threat of transnational terrorism closer to home, showing how the return of foreign fighters could galvanise regional terrorist movements. [...] Furthermore, Singapore’s decision to extend the existing deployment of SAF assets and personnel to OIR in 2017 was accompanied by a reaffirmation of the strong and mutually beneficial trade and investment linkages between Singapore and the United States, as well as greater cooperation between the two in the economic, defence and security spheres. [...] In assessing the value of Singapore’s participation in OIR, one must look past a superficial cost-benefit analysis towards one that goes beyond the mission parameters, taking into account the realities of the evolving security environment and the need for a more holistic approach to enhancing Singapore's peace and security.
Pages
5
Published in
Singapore