Time and Date  

: 

Friday, 25 April 2008, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm

Venue  

: 

Centre for Instructional Technology, CIT Auditorium, Computer Centre Level 2, NUS   

Student's Name 

: 

N A D Senaka Dharmatilleke

Title of Thesis   

: 

The strategic role of built space in insurgency and counterinsurgency: The case of new villages in British Malaya, (1948 – 1960)   

Abstract 

: 

Adopting the Communist insurgency of British Malaya (1948-1960), as the main focus, the research attempts to ascertain, how spatial assumptions made by subversives influence the formulation of a particular strategy of insurgency for each campaign of political subversion.

The research identifies a number of historic strategic models used for subversion. The selection of a specific model for a particular conflict is deemed to be based on the spatial modality of populated spaces. This ‘modality’ is defined by characteristics of physical space that make it suitable as a mode or medium for a particular pattern of insurgency to be carried out, which are not limited to tactical details of combat.

The main objective of this research is to establish that space is not a mere physical arena or a container that accommodates violent acts of subversion; but also a conditioner of the subversive strategy by being an active component at the strategic level.

Key words: Strategic, Tactical, Container, Conditioner, Strategic model, Spatial modality.

Under the recently established open-exam system, academic staff as well as research students are welcome to attend the Ph.D. oral defence. 

We would appreciate if you would register your attendance with Soh Ling by 23 April 2008. The exam panel members and supervisors need not register (seats will be reserved for them).

The candidate will give a 45-minute presentation, followed by a time of Q&A and subsequently, where necessary, a closed-door session involving only the exam panel will take place. For the open session, please note the following guidelines. 

1. The exam panel members can ask specific questions on the thesis as well as general questions to test the fundamentals and knowledge relevant to the subject.

2. The candidate's supervisor(s) can be present as observer(s) without Q&A right. 

3. All other participants can ask questions pertaining to the candidate's presentation during the Q&A session. 

4. Besides time control and moderating the exam process, the Chair of the exam panel has the right to intervene or overrule if, in his/her judgment, a question raised is inappropriate, irrelevant or inconsequential to the examination.

We look forward to your participation.