Defense Policy

Total Defence is a cornerstone of Singapore’s national security policy and practice. As a ‘Whole-of-nation’ framework, it has evolved to deal with the increasing complexity of national security risks and challenges.

Since joining NATO, Finland and Sweden have become capable NATO contributors, improving its presence in the Nordic-Baltic region and beyond. Despite this, they need to further integrate both their civil and national defence capacities.

Comprehensive defence is carried by society as a whole. A comparative examination of national comprehensive defence approaches within NATO offers valuable insights that are also relevant for planning processes in Germany.

Comprehensive defence encompasses both military and civil preparedness – both of which are inextricably linked. Yet the civilian side continues to lag behind. Three key areas of action show how Germany can close this gap in its security architecture.