SINGAPORE—Italy’s leading defense strategy institution is actively forging closer ties with Singaporean security and academic leaders, signalling a concerted push to enhance bilateral defense cooperation in vital strategic areas. Army General Stefano Mannino, President of the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (CASD), concluded a high-level visit to the city-state this week, engaging with counterparts on advanced training strategies, military preparedness, and evolving global security challenges.
The mission, which included meetings with the Singaporean Ministry of Defence leadership and key research institutes, centered on laying the groundwork for more active collaboration in strategic analysis and personnel development. General Mannino was accompanied by Italy’s Ambassador to Singapore, Dante Brandi, and other senior defense officials.
Focusing on Regional Stability and Emerging Threats
During his visit, General Mannino held extensive discussions with leaders from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), a government-affiliated research institution specializing in international and strategic policy. These discussions highlighted shared concerns regarding regional and global stability, emphasizing the need for robust defense strategies in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
A key aspect of the engagement involved dialogue with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a globally influential think tank headquartered in London that organizes the annual Shangri-La Dialogue. This premier Asia-Pacific security summit is known for convening political and military leaders to address major regional security priorities.
The conversations touched on several critical security domains, underscoring areas where Italian and Singaporean expertise could be mutually beneficial. General Mannino shared Italian assessments on a spectrum of threats, ranging from sophisticated hybrid warfare tactics to challenges related to economic security and intense technological competition.
Modernizing Defense Education and Culture
A primary focus of General Mannino’s itinerary was the modernization of defense education. Meetings with Singaporean interlocutors addressed the most current methodologies in strategic training for both military and civilian professionals.
“Promoting a strong defense culture is essential for any nation facing modern security dilemmas,” commented a source familiar with the delegation’s itinerary. “The exchange focused heavily on how to effectively train personnel to anticipate and respond to diverse security threats, rather than merely reacting to them.”
The Italian delegation, which also included CASD’s International Affairs Advisor and coadjutor Director, Emanuele Farruggia, also met with representatives of the Italian scientific community and defense industry operating in Singapore. This multifaceted approach underscores Italy’s intention to leverage both diplomatic and industrial avenues to strengthen its presence and partnerships within the critical Indo-Pacific region.
This outreach signifies Italy’s broader strategic rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific, recognizing Singapore’s pivotal role as a global defense and logistics hub. The successful mission is expected to lead to concrete joint initiatives focused on mutual capacity building and enhanced intelligence sharing in the near future. Further cooperation is anticipated in joint analysis and training programs designed to address geopolitical flashpoints and shared vulnerabilities in the global security landscape.
