by Joan Swart | Jul 10, 2026 | Defence Policy and Strategy, Diplomacy, Military strategy, Strategic communication, STRATEGIC STUDIES
Abstract: The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei demonstrates how states can employ ritual, symbolism and mass mobilisation as instruments of strategic communication before military force is ever employed. Recognising and correctly interpreting such signals is an...
by Joan Swart | Jul 2, 2026 | Defence Policy and Strategy, CSIR, Military Academy Stellenbosch, R&D, SANDF, South Africa, Strategic Interconnectivity
Abstract: Defence research is about far more than technology. It is the mechanism through which a defence establishment learns, adapts and remains strategically relevant. This article argues that the real challenge is not simply increasing R&D expenditure, but...
by Joan Swart | Jun 24, 2026 | SANDF, National Security - Nasionale Veiligheid, Public Safety, South Africa, South African Intelligence History, SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
Abstract: Five years after the July 2021 unrest exposed serious weaknesses in South Africa’s national security architecture, questions remain about the country’s preparedness for future instability. Drawing on the findings of the Expert Panel and SAHRC...
by Joan Swart | Jun 19, 2026 | Defence Policy and Strategy, SANDF, South Africa, Strategic Interconnectivity
Abstract: The debate over defence spending is often framed as a choice between security and development. This article argues that the real challenge is not choosing between “guns” and “butter”, but ensuring that resource allocation is guided by...
by Joan Swart | Jun 10, 2026 | Defence Policy and Strategy, SANDF, South Africa, Strategic Interconnectivity
Abstract: South Africa’s defence sector does not appear to suffer from a shortage of audits, reviews, investigations or task teams. It suffers from a shortage of implementation. Using recent calls for a new defence task team as a starting point, this article...
