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Originally published in Contemporary Security Policy
The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and regional order: The utility of FPDA military exercises for Malaysia and Singapore
Established in 1971, the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)—a defence pact comprising Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Singapore—has played a significant security role in Southeast Asia. A central feature of the FPDA is the conduct of Joint Military Exercises (JMEs), which involve all member states. This article draws on declassified diplomatic and defence documents, interview materials, and other sources, including press releases, to examine the utility of FPDA JMEs to the regional order in Southeast Asia. It argues that these exercises contribute to regional order in Southeast Asia by facilitating defence ties between Malaysia and Singapore, building up their military capabilities, and deterring potential adversaries while enjoying tacit acceptance from regional actors and external powers. These exercises not only influence regional dynamics but are themselves shaped by evolving geopolitical and regional conditions, highlighting the reciprocal nature of their impact.
About the author
Rahman Yaacob
Dr Abdul Rahman Yaacob was a Research Fellow in the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute.