Dr. Ron Matthews
Fitriani Bintang Timur
Rabdan Academy
Research & Innovation
Newsletter
Volume 1 l Issue 1 - 2023
In 1984, Singapore introduced its Total Defence strategy, which was a
pioneering policy in the modern era that redefined national security beyond
conventional military defense. While most countries traditionally focused
solely on military security, Singapore recognized the interconnectedness of
defense and development. Consequently, they adopted an integrative
security approach, known as Total Defence, which combined soft elements
of "social resilience" to foster collectivism and national identity with the
harder aspects of industrial and technological dynamics related to defense
capabilities.
This paper aims to assess Singapore's Total Defence strategy, which was
implemented in 1984 and drew inspiration from the Swiss, Swedish, and
Finnish models. These models emphasize the significance of civil and
psychological defense, with recent additions of digital/cyber security to
their respective frameworks. The concept of Total Defence aligns with the
contemporary policy focus on broadening the scope of national security by
promoting national unity, social cohesion, civil resilience, economic
strength, and military power. Singapore's strategy is based on six
interconnected defense pillars, reflecting their collectivist and consensual
approach to civil-military development. Thus far, the social aspects of the
Singapore's 'Total Defence'
Strategy
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Full article published in:
Defence and Peace Economics | 2023
strategy have supported advancements in both traditional defense and the overall economy. Technology has played a
central role in this development process, with research and development (R&D) and technological innovation being vital for
Singapore's dynamic growth in civil-military affairs.
However, the resilience of the Total Defence model relies on the synergy of its various components. The individual pillars
cannot operate in isolation, and weaknesses in one area will have repercussions on others. Singapore's once-strong
economy, which had been highly regarded by foreign observers for decades, is now facing challenges such as slowing
growth, a cost of living crisis, and declining asset values. These economic headwinds have affected the stability of other
pillars. The social compact is under strain as trust in the government appears to be diminishing, particularly due to
contentious decisions in demographic and immigration matters. This erosion of trust poses a risk to the Psychological
Pillar, potentially leading to a breakdown of cultural consensus and national unity. The current turbulent environment in
Singapore raises questions about whether the success of the Total Defence strategy thus far can be attributed to favorable
politico-economic and cultural conditions alone.
To read more