Years ago, I remember reading this evocative article about the hugely charismatic Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, wondering what might have happened had Nasser followed the Lee Kuan Yew path instead of pursuing his revolutionary and socialist policies!
The face of the Middle East might have been, at least partly, very different. Egypt had the potential, the institutions, and the history—but so much of that potential was squandered!
I visited Singapore in 1984 as a young naval officer. Already then it was very clean and orderly, unlike other Asisan cities I had visited. Crime was essentially non-existent and we were told that this was not the place to get too rowdy or get in trouble because it wasn't tolerated. You can get an idea of how safe a city is by noticing groups of school girls walking alone after dark. The food was fabulous and relatively cheap due to the strong dollar in those days. I have always thought of Singapore fondly and glad for their success.
1. Can a British Lee Kuan Yew rise from the ashes?
2. Can he confront the nation with hard truths?
3. Can he deal firmly but objectively with the prevailing narratives of the last five decades?
4. Can he tell the new hard right that British Muslims are not necessarily the enemy, while also telling British Muslims that necessary adjustments must be made?
5. Can he be a little patriarchal and tell white British women to end their addiction to OnlyFans and what have you?
6. Can he focus on excellent governance and motivate both the population and the chattering classes to move beyond the never-ending and futile ideological wars?
7. Can he speak to people honestly, but humanely, about the meaning of belonging and identity?
What most people miss about Singapore is its fragility - it really is an insignificant little sweaty spot of land, turned into what can be called the world's most successful country (by some measures at least). If China/UK/Italy screw things up for a few generations of bad leadership, they'll continue in some way. If Sg screws it up for a few years in a row, it is in mortal danger of disappearing off the map. LKY turned that terrifying fact into a philosophy.
Thanks Ed for another good post. If you're at a loose end during your time off Substack, you could do worse than pick up my book on Sg, 'Singapore Singapura: from miracle to complacency'. Either way, have a good couple of months.
Years ago, I remember reading this evocative article about the hugely charismatic Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, wondering what might have happened had Nasser followed the Lee Kuan Yew path instead of pursuing his revolutionary and socialist policies!
The face of the Middle East might have been, at least partly, very different. Egypt had the potential, the institutions, and the history—but so much of that potential was squandered!
Great comment. I have thought similar things about other places. It shows the importance of civic leadership.
I visited Singapore in 1984 as a young naval officer. Already then it was very clean and orderly, unlike other Asisan cities I had visited. Crime was essentially non-existent and we were told that this was not the place to get too rowdy or get in trouble because it wasn't tolerated. You can get an idea of how safe a city is by noticing groups of school girls walking alone after dark. The food was fabulous and relatively cheap due to the strong dollar in those days. I have always thought of Singapore fondly and glad for their success.
1. Can a British Lee Kuan Yew rise from the ashes?
2. Can he confront the nation with hard truths?
3. Can he deal firmly but objectively with the prevailing narratives of the last five decades?
4. Can he tell the new hard right that British Muslims are not necessarily the enemy, while also telling British Muslims that necessary adjustments must be made?
5. Can he be a little patriarchal and tell white British women to end their addiction to OnlyFans and what have you?
6. Can he focus on excellent governance and motivate both the population and the chattering classes to move beyond the never-ending and futile ideological wars?
7. Can he speak to people honestly, but humanely, about the meaning of belonging and identity?
Fascinating. He sounds like such a nice and impressive man.
What most people miss about Singapore is its fragility - it really is an insignificant little sweaty spot of land, turned into what can be called the world's most successful country (by some measures at least). If China/UK/Italy screw things up for a few generations of bad leadership, they'll continue in some way. If Sg screws it up for a few years in a row, it is in mortal danger of disappearing off the map. LKY turned that terrifying fact into a philosophy.
Thanks Ed for another good post. If you're at a loose end during your time off Substack, you could do worse than pick up my book on Sg, 'Singapore Singapura: from miracle to complacency'. Either way, have a good couple of months.
Thank you. I will look that up!