Island in the World: Globalization and Singapore's Transformation

Abstract

The author argues that the economic crisis, which swept through the region from mid 1997, has not left Singapore untouched. He challenges three ideas: (1) Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP) government is all-powerful & unchallenged; (2) the island-city-state is unique; & (3) the major generalization about globalization, as "one size fits all" policy choice in economic policy & social arrangements is false. Furthermore, he contends that Singapore's politics & policies should be seen in the context of globalization. This chapter considers recent initiatives in Singapore's domestic & foreign policies regarding economics, commerce, society, & politics, as well as the processes by which Singapore mediates the impacts of globalization. Finally, Singapore's foreign policy will be addressed as it relates to the region & to the international community. E. Sanchez.