Singapore: Negotiating State and Society

On 9 August 2015, Singapore celebrated its 50th year of national independence, a milestone for the nation as it has overcome major economic, social, cultural and political challenges in a short period of time. Whilst this was a celebratory event to acknowledge the role of the Peoples Action Party (PAP) government, it was also marked by national remembrance as founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew died in March 2015.

This book critically reflects on Singapores 50 years of independence. Contributors interrogate a selected range of topics on Singapores history, culture and society - including the constitution, education, religion and race - and thereby facilitate a better understanding of its shared national past. Central to this book is an examination of how Singaporeans have learnt to adapt and change through PAP government policies since independence in 1965. All chapters begin their histories from that point in time and each contribution focuses either on an area that has been neglected in Singapores modern history or offer new perspectives on the past. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, it presents an independent and critical take on Singapores post-1965 history.

A valuable assessment to students and researchers alike, Singapore: Negotiating State and Society, 1965-2015 is of interest to specialists in Southeast Asian history and politics.