| Publication |
2007.
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| Summary/Abstract |
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
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