Category: Pointer Monthly Essays

In this essay, the author argues that hybrid warfare, without resorting to a full-scale conventional offensive, cannot conclusively defeat an adversary nation state or opposing government. The author begins by explaining hybrid warfare and its main characteristics. Next, he attempts to discuss th...

The concept of Centre of Gravity (CoG) remains a cornerstone in military planning, yet consensus on its definition eludes both practitioners and academics. This ambiguity stems from Carl von Clausewitz’s varied interpretations, compounded by divergent perspectives within different military branch...

There are many qualities that a Commanding Officer (CO) must possess in order for them to lead their unit well. In this essay, the author shares the seven key factors that he feels an aspiring CO needs to consider when drawing out their own action plan as they take on the role of a CO, in order...

In this essay, the author explores the multifaceted challenges to regional security and co-operation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, focusing on political, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. The author then examines the effectiveness of these initiatives and...

This essay critically examines the multifaceted challenges confronting regional security and co‐operationwithin the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As the geopolitical landscape evolves, ASEAN faces amyriad of issues that impede the realisation of its vision for a stable and colla...

In this essay, the author examines the view that traditional Non-Offensive Defence (NOD) is not an effective military strategy in current times. He supports his arguments by analysing the origins of this military strategy and its fundamental principles. He then follows up with a discussion on the...

In this essay, the author aims to discuss how China will embrace AI and Robotics to enhance its national security and how the security landscape will be affected by this pursuit. The author first identifies China’s national interests and examines how it will use AI and Robotics technologies to en...

This essay investigates to an extent to which the Western armed forces were aided in post-1945 counterinsurgency campaigns by their past experiences in imperial warfare. Focusing on key examples, such as the United Kingdom (UK), it examines how colonial military strategies and doctrines influence...

While various factors contributed to Israel’s perceived failure in the 2006 Lebanon War, the author argues that the critical problem in the making of Israel’s strategy was intrusive civilian direction that led to the campaign’s overall failure. The civilian government’s over-representation in str...

The essay views radical Islamic terrorist organisations as anti-fragile systems to understand better the resilience of these organisations and the requirements of a successful counter-terrorism containment strategy. Despite the 20-year Global War on Terrorism, the scourge of terrorism has not bee...