Category: Pointer Monthly Essays

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 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...

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...

In this essay, the author highlights that the development and deployment of Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) in modern warfare raises pressing ethical questions. He examines the ethical problems posed by the use of AWS and critically assesses the arguments presented by various writers. The author ...

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...

In this essay, the author explores the dynamic relationship between the traditional military concepts of ‘Decisive Battle’ and ‘Operational Art’. While ‘Decisive Battle’ traditionally embodies the idea of a single, pivotal confrontation that determines the outcome of a conflict, ‘Operational Art...

In this essay, the author contends that World War Two (WWII) exemplifies the concept of Total War more than World War One (WWI) through the larger scales of military and economic mobilisation, as well as the deeper level and impact of civilian victimisation. The author presents his argument in th...

According to the author, the security dilemma is an unfortunate reality, perhaps an enduring feature of the self-help international system. He explains that threat assessments exist in part because of the security dilemma, and these assessments can become self-fulfilling prophecies. This happens ...