Item category 2: POINTER Monthly Essays

Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, contended that the Industrial Revolutions (IRs) were the main driving force behind technological improvements. In the same vein, the author considers that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), through various transformations, is now capable of execut...

This essay examines the applications of robots in future wars and analyses the possibility of totally removing humans from war. Robots can enable unmanned warfare to complement areas where human capabilities are limited. The shift from industrial war to Low-Intensity Conflicts (LIC) also favours ...

In this essay, the author highlights that while civilian leadership may help to drive top-down military innovation in peacetime, a civil-military relationship characterised by directive civilian control breeds a culture of deference and thus negatively affects a military's spontaneity in adapting...

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 first defines deterrence and explains its concept and its key elements. He then explores the application of conventional deterrence strategies, whether it is through denial, or through punishment, and touch on its limitations. He proceeds to examine the existential natur...

Unlike traditional warfare, with its defined enemies and objectives, grey zone conflicts are characterised by uncertainty, blurred boundaries, and the absence of clear adversaries. Such ambiguity can result in feelings of vulnerability, distrust, and paranoia among servicemen as they struggle to ...

This article delves into British grand strategy in the aftermath of the First World War. The author discusses the challenges London faced when implementing its “peace-with-security” strategy, and concludes that Britain successfully shaped the post-war world order but faced various challenges.

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...