Category: Pointer Monthly Essays

Mpox, a highly contagious disease that spreads from animals to humans, presents unique challenges for militaries due to its rapid transmission and potential to disrupt operations. In response to the global mpox outbreaks in 2022 and 2024, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) developed a phased approa...

Using Carl von Clausewitz’s “trinity” as a framework for analysis, this article compares the performances of Generals Arthur Percival and Douglas MacArthur as commanders during the Malayan and Philippine campaigns in World War II respectively. Both campaigns ultimately ended in defeat by the Japa...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

This essay undertakes a meticulous examination of the military leadership exhibited by General Arthur Percival during the Malayan Campaign and General Douglas MacArthur's command in the Philippines Campaign. By employing a comparative approach, the author aims to illuminate the distinct strategie...