Singapour

Résumé 0

Based on Stein Rokkan’s theoretical framework, state-building in Singapore is now facing four challenges or “cleavages”, namely “penetration”, “standardisation”, “equalisation” and “redistribution”. Firstly, the city-state has to move away from the usual diplomatic “hedging” (Evelyn Goh) and the Chinese-American dilemma, with the European Union and/or France as a possible “third path”. Secondly, nation-building is far from being a smooth process beyond the official narrative of “racial harmony”. Thirdly, Singapore is still seen as an illiberal or “flawed democracy” (Wolfgang Merkel), with the (lack of) freedom of expression as a major criterion, and because of new laws such as the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act or FICA. For example, Singapore has not been invited by Washington to the Summit for Democracy. Fourthly, the government has made strong efforts to counter the Covid-19 pandemic by moving away from a zero-Covid policy, and promoting the idea of a minimum wage, which had been a taboo.