ABSTRACT
In 1965, the tiny, newly independent island-state of Singapore was not so different in its stage of development from much of the Third World then being de-colonized, although its prospects were perhaps less promising given its almost total lack of natural resources. Why was it that Singapore was so successful at achieving socio-economic modernization and political stability in contrast to so many others? What is remarkable or exceptional about Singapore? What have been its achievements, and its mistakes?
