ID | 079718 |
Title Proper | Small country total defence |
Other Title Information | a case study of Singapore |
Language | ENG |
Author | Matthews, Ron ; Yan, Nellie Zhang |
Publication | 2007. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | This paper explains how the tiny city-state of Singapore successfully developed a strategy and capability to defend both its territorial integrity and its vital national interests in a region where it was effectively surrounded by potentially hostile states. Based on the island-state's 'Total Defence' concept, scarce resources have been harnessed to construct a consensualsociety, a powerful economy, and a strong military, all committed to the defence of sovereignty. The constraints of 'small size' have been overcome by several factors: a sensible and visionary defence policy; a conscription and reservist manpower model; a 'dual-use' approach to defence industrialisation; a force multiplier policy aimed at exploiting Singapore's revealed technological comparative advantage; and a training and international diplomacy regime fostering friendly relations with some of the world's most powerful nations. Singapore's national security strategy has led to this small country becoming the most militarily strong nation in South-East Asia |
`In' analytical Note | Defence Studies Vol. 7, No.3; Sep 2007: p376-395 |
Journal Source | Defence Studies Vol. 7, No.3; Sep 2007: p376-395 |
Key Words | Singapore ; Defence Policy ; National Security ; Total Defence |