ABSTRACT
From 1965 onwards, Michael Leifer's research and writing on Southeast Asian politics and international relations often touched on Singapore, particularly in terms of the city-state's relationship with its immediate neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, its role within ASEAN, and its interest in maritime security. This chapter examines the military underpinnings of Singapore's balance of power strategy, in terms of both the development of the republic's own military capability and doctrine of deterrence, and its international defence relations. It seeks to explain why Singapore should have engaged, in Michael Leifer's words, ‘in defence provision well beyond that of any regional neighbour’. Technology is used as a force multiplier to compensate for lack of strategic depth and reliance on conscripts and reservists. Unique geographical and demographic factors confer distinct economic advantages on Singapore.
