KEBIJAKAN PERTAHANAN SINGAPURAPERIODE TAHUN 1993-2008

The purpose of this study is to analyze how a small country like Singapore, which has constraints with geographical, demographic, and natural resources limitations, is able to turn such constraints, through the implementation of strategic policy of Total Defence and the concept of Revolution in Military Affairs, into a strategic advantage. Singapore has been able to overcome various kinds of threats - symmetric or asymmetric � that may attack the country using the strategic policy and military concept adopted from Israel. The Concept of Revolution in Military Affairs has been implemented by Singapore in an effort to deal with the pressure from countries in the region. In dealing with such pressures, Singapore has built a balanced national defense capability and synergy with strategic partners from outside of Singapore to effectively guarantee the security of Singapore either during the cold war or afterwards. However, with the changing global paradigm in recent years -- largely due to globalization and reduced use of hard power in many regions � a new emphasis is being placed on the use of soft power. Despite this fact, confidence in the hard power approach cannot simply be ruled out. The strong military force and economy, complemented by strong internal controls on the domestic political system, remains a pillar of Singapore's defense policy. Total Defence Strategy is implemented as part of diplomatic and deterrent efforts. Total Defence Strategy itself has five basic elements, namely: military defense, civil defense, economic defense, social defense, and psychological defense. Singapore's defense policy trends always follow the economic, political and security dynamics in the region surrounding the country while maintaining good relations with its fellow ASEAN member-countries and countries outside Southeast Asia.