Politics and Governance in Singapore: An Introduction

Understanding politics and governance in Singapore is a concern for everyone who lives in and has a stake in the island republic. This handbook provides a foundational overview of Singapore's politics. What makes up the 'bones' of Singapore and how the 'flesh' has been added to construct a Singapore 'person' is unravelled by examining historical and structural dimensions of politics as well as the way politics is conducted in the country. Key determinants and critical issues facing the famous red dot are analysed and discussed, including the state of nationhood, the role of civil society and democracy, and the sustainability of the current modus operandi. What lies ahead for Singapore? Will it vanish like many historical small states, or is exceptionalism likely to define Singapore? And, following its tumultuous journey since World War II, is the Singapore today a 'house', 'home' or 'hotel'? These important questions, amongst others, are explored in this volume. Politics and Governance is written in response to the dearth of a comprehensive and succinct summary of the ins and outs of Singapore's politics. With the increasing importantance of Singapore studies in national education, this book is an invaluable read for the specialist, student and any interested member of the Singapore public. Couched in layman's language, the book also gives an outsider as easy grasp of Singapore's politics, and is a convenient tool to examine the past, present and future of the Lion City.