ABSTRACT

A comprehensive overview of politics in Singapore since self-governance. The authors examine how this tiny island has developed into a global financial centre and an economic and social success under the leadership of the People's Action Party which has ruled continuously since 1959. The authors explore the nature of the Singaporean government, as well as major issues such as ethnicity, human rights and the development of civil society.

chapter |12 pages

What is remarkable about Singapore?

chapter |12 pages

How Singapore became independent

Lee Kuan Yew and the People's Action Party (PAP)

chapter |13 pages

Locations of power

The state and the government

chapter |13 pages

The People's Action Party

The structure and operation of a dominant party

chapter |14 pages

Supplying social services to the people

chapter |15 pages

The dictates of ethnicity

Language policy, education, and self-help

chapter |14 pages

The successors

Leadership trends in the PAP – the search for top talent

chapter |15 pages

Authoritarian aspects of PAP rule

chapter |12 pages

The growth of civil society

chapter |17 pages

Deterrence and diplomacy

chapter |12 pages

Singapore in the future