ABSTRACT
In the age of globalization, cities are confronted by the need to “capture” their share from a constant transnational flow of people, goods, services, and money. In city-states, such as Singapore, social policies clearly reflect their full dependence upon participation in the global economy. In this reading, Brenda Yeoh and T. C. Chang examine the state’s efforts at concerted economic development and, more importantly, address the often unintended consequences of transnational ism. Yeoh and Chang see transnational flows not as distinct or separate but as overlapping and interdependent categories. The urban landscape then functions as a space where multiple, global communities intersect in ways reflective of the local and historical context. Four categories of transnationals – transnational business, “third world” populations, expressive specialists, and tourists – are examined. For each category, the authors appraise the social policies designed to attract and manage “outsiders.” In addition, the authors show how each group’s interests and economic positions converge to shape Singapore’s identity as a global city.
