Singapore Nationalism Global City Cosmopolitanism

Singapore, Nationalism, Global City, Cosmopolitanism

The focus and aim of this term paper is to analyze and explore the concept of nationalism in Singapore with the help of exploring and analyzing different steps and measures on part of government including the promotion of its National Day Parade. In order to understand this phenomenon it is important to first define the concept of nationalism.

Nationalism was considered a historical concept since long and was ignored by the political philosophy. Its importance has revived in the political concept since last two decades. In the recent years the concerns for international justice have evolved greatly therefore the focus has shifted from nationalism to international justice. The issues of terrorism, clash of civilization and supremacy controls have centered the attraction of international political concerns and have created public attention. According to the Graham Evans and Jeffrey Newnham in the dictionary of International Relations the term 'nationalism' is defined as:

The term can be considered in two meanings. Initially it can be used as to identify a behavioral entity where the people pursue certain political and cultural goals. Secondly, it is also used as a sentiment of loyalty toward the nation shared by people with pride.

Thus the concept of 'nationalism' rivet attention towards the concept of nation and the people's behavior in response to the different attributes of the nation. This concept relates to the behavior and attitude of the member of nation towards their national identity and the actions taken by these members towards attainment of political, cultural and religious freedom. The concept of 'nationalism' despite of its numerous and conflicting definitions in the political context, still holds firm affirmation on the historical concept of 'nationalism'. This concept is built on the legitimacy of the nation's association and rights over claims of individual's loyalty and sovereignty in the political programs. The important component of the political program is the territorial sovereignty which is the constituent of power and authority of the state and considered as critical for nationhood. In the era of globalization, where nation is made up of people from diverse cultural background, ethnicity, geographical location, and demographical and psycho graphical patterns the control of financial resources and people's right in the territorial sovereignty is much talked about issue in the political science of nationalism. The classical nationalism views, which were prominent in the 19th century and later become an important jurisprudence in the Europe and Latin American nations, were that the territorial state as political unit is considered to be associated with people from same ethnic cultural group and are vigorously responsible for protecting and propagating their traditions.

The liberal nationalist Ernest Renan have defined the national identity as people forming association and getting together in order to lead independent lives with liberal democratic political needs and national identity to live a meaningful and organized lives (Lim, 2011).

The Concept of a Nation

The liberal nationalism has defined the nation as an organization and alliance of people who consider belonging to the nation with equal political rights and association with the similar political procedures. The civic nationalism has defined that the nation is not the one based on ethnic descent; rather it is a political entity whose fundamental identity is not ethnicity. The concept of nationalism and nation is illustrated in the Ernest Renan lecture in 1882 on 'What is nation?' By defining it as a 'daily referendum' and is dependent on the people desire of living together.

Nationalism and Cosmopolitanism

Nationalism is collectively described as the multifaceted set of attitudes, claims and directive action plan attributed to the fundamental political, moral and cultural values associated with the nation and national identity. Nationalism in its moderate sense can be described as the patriotism defining the loyalty to state. Nationalism is associated with the feelings of individuals belonging to a common nation and there exist unity among the members of the nation. On the other hand the concept of cosmopolitism is that the primary obligation of all people is the fulfillment of common goals irrespective of their geographical or cultural differences and political structure should demonstrate this universality of the moral obligation. Many political theorist and philosophers were confronted with the opposition and dilemma of nationalism and cosmopolitanism and they adopted the mixed philosophy of liberalism-cosmopolitanism and patriotism-nationalism. Charles Taylor said that "we have no choice but to be cosmopolitan and patriots" (ibid, 121).

According to Ernest Gellner, nations and nationalism is contingent that varies with various factors that include culture, religion, societal norms, unity, faith, discipline and morals. Every state can emerge as a nation only when people within a group have similar ideas for independence and dependence. Culture means a system of ideas expressed and practiced through generations and when these cultures are practiced consistently a nation is emerged that is recognized through shared attributes that are passed by the majority of the people. The representative of every nation holds great responsibility, because he is the mover of the nation. The direction set by any representative depicts the future of the nation and whenever a nation progresses or declines its responsibility is majorly upon the leader of the nation (Gellner, 1983).

HYPOTHESIS

The paper will explore the hypothesis that the Singapore government is keen to embrace the label of a 'global city' rather than a country -- a priority from promoting nationalism to persuading its citizens to welcome foreigners. The alternate hypothesis is that that Singapore will lack the courage to eventuate this nationalism.

In the term paper the both theories have been examined and produce evidence for the conclusion.

THE EVIDENCE FOR NATIONALISM

The Singapore's leaders have made active contribution towards the national progress and communicate the goals through their action, speeches and books. For them to manage the diverse segment of the global market was a challenging task. When the country has people from various backgrounds, each seeking their interest for betterment and long-term survival, national identity is at vulnerable state and its survival has many threats. Singapore through its political framework has always tried to create a mindset of 'national survival' among the people so that they are committed towards the national goal of progress and prosperity and design their actions according to these set goals.

The political leaders have always encouraged rational decision making process in profound intellectual capacity. They have always taken government as an instrument to promote national harmony on the foundation of 'national survival'. The senior leaders who possess necessary knowledge, skills and experience are considered to be the one taking rightful decisions and often the best possible solution towards solving a problem or national concern. Strategic policy measures have been adopted by the political system of Singapore. They have been devoted in designing policies, programs or campaigns to handle the problems and issues. On its way of expressing Singapore political culture, the young energetic and rising leader Brigadier General (Reserve) Lee Hsien Loong while discussing the threats to national survival due to the declining birth rates has said: "I don't think we should…passively watch ourselves going extinct." Positive attitude of the government policies have always encouraged national harmony and strengthen national unity (Nash, 2001).

Singapore Political Environment:

Singapore is an island stretched across 250 square-miles between Indian Ocean and South China Sea. It is the richest countries of the world. Singapore is the best example of the multiethnic society with the political influence from west and cultural adaptation from the east. Singapore's spirit of success has always been in the logical sequence of their action plan towards the economic development of the country. They believe that economic stability can only bring political authority in the region. Singapore has the honor of getting the rank of seventh among the world's most global cities. It is well-known for its port and trading acidities and is considered as the hub for international trade, business and finance. This region attracts lots of investment from multi-ethnic city as the government and political system is considered to be consistent, well-organized, resourceful and lucrative for business environment (Popke, 2011).

Simplicity with the adaptation in the cultural traits has allowed Singapore to emerge as a global economy with the divergent social structure. Ethnic harmony and religious tolerance are prevailing in the region which strengthens the economic framework. Singapore is confronted with few ethnic conflicts from the immigrants from China, Malaysia and South Asia. Singapore has been shrewd in formulating its ethnic policy to overcome these conflicts and let them be part of minor elements of the society. Since independence it has emerged as a 'global city' constituting population from diverse backgrounds and ethnic group. Singapore has always respected this diversity and encourages identification of Singapore as 'one country, one nation, and one fate'.

Singapore has always been confident and proud on its 'oriental democratic system' which is founded on the pillars of one-party system, emphasized on the political and social stability, transparency in government policy and programs and devoted citizenship all aimed towards economic development of the country. The primitive Confucian culture of Singapore was reinstated to cope with the problems of modern times so that it can be adapted to the public attitude and behavior and conveniently be part of government policy formulation. The norms in Confucian teachings were redefined as:

Loyalty-identification with country's interest

Filial piety- respect for elderly

Benevolence- humaneness

Courtesy-politeness

Virtue- social ethics

Honesty- resistance from corruption

Sense of shame- awareness of right and wrong (Tamir, 1993)

Political Structure of Singapore as 'Global City':

Since its independence on 9th August 1965 People's Action Party has dominated the political structure of Singapore. In the initial years People's Action Party have been devoted to the deal with communists but in the recent decades it has found its governance in the social democratic system. In the regime of People's Action Party (PAP) Singapore had the power structure which had been characterized as authoritarian, practical, lucid and legalistic.

The administrative structure of the Singapore political system can be defined as bureaucratic rather than democratic. All the appointments are made on meritocracy where authority and power of governance is given on the basis of skill, performance and loyalty to the nation. The authorities cascade down from top to the bottom level and the economic development and political stability is maintained through the guidance of PAP.

There are also three main opposition parties-

1. The Worker's Party- WP

2. The Singapore Democratic Party- SDP

3. The Singapore Democratic Alliance- SDA

The active parties of Singapore are:

1. Democratic progressive Party

2. National Solidarity Party

3. People's Liberal Democratic Party

4. Worker's Party

5. Singapore's People's Party

6. Singapore Justice Party

7. Singapore National Front

The ministries and organs of Singapore are governed and managed by the Civil service through its important commission 'The Public Service Commission' (PSC). The PSC is responsible to appoint, confirm, promote, transfer, dismiss and take any disciplinary action to control and monitor public officers. Singapore with the diversity and pluralism in racial and religious elements believes in the fair treatment of all and consider its primary duty to provide equal opportunity to its population in education, healthcare and housing. The minority groups are also given assurance of equal representation in the parliament through the system of Group Representation Constituency. The prevalence of the dominant role of government in the local economy has no way affected the transparency of the system. Instead government has been an active contributor in the economic development, social justice and maintenance of plurality in the society.

Singapore Controversy-Democracy without Freedom:

Singapore has been criticized for the ironical situation of being 'democratic without freedom'. The political structure of democracy within the region also hold true with this statement to some extent. Since its independence Singapore has always been ruled by one party that is People's Action Party- PAP. The amalgamation of authoritarianism in the democratic structure of Singapore is mainly because of the regions inheritance of the Chinese culture. The dominance of the Chinese culture is due to the population strength that accounts for 70% of the total population. This has imposed Confucius socio-political ethics in the society through which patriarchy and hierarchy have influenced Singapore's socio-political value system.

The patriarchal system of Singapore is structured by the absolute role of government in the power and authority of the political system. Government takes active part in structuring cultural values, religious rights and rituals and takes corrective measures if any of such activity is observed which is not in favor of the national interest. Singapore government strongly believes in the ruling system governed by the notion of creme de la creme of the society.

However, the strict law enforcement system doesn't hinder in bringing about change in the country for its advancement. Government has always tried to work on the political stability. Therefore it has always provided opportunity to the leaders belonging from the meritocratic backgrounds possessing reasonable skills and knowledge to govern the country irrespective of their ethnic background, culture and creed.

Evidence against the nationalism

Singapore is known as a diverse nation. Unlike any other country for example Germany whose citizens believe themselves to be German, the people of Singapore believe themselves to be a part of one of the four background races in Singapore. These four races have separate color, creed, religion, language and other aspects. In the presence of these diverse races it is not possible to have the concept of nationalism in Singapore. Apart from this the country is surrounded by sixty different islets, so the country is not even a geographically one solid bloc of land. There is high influx of foreigners in Singapore which further makes it difficult to incorporate the phenomenon of nationalism in the country.

Cosmopolitanism and National Identification in Singapore Political Culture:

There have been several views on cosmopolitanism and national identity in political sciences. One such view according to Michael Keith is that 'if the cosmopolitan is to represent a normative vision of the future, the city is to be its empirical realization' (Keith, 2005: 22). Thus the cosmopolitan vision has been associated with urban civilization since long. It is considered to be the city open to global interactions, associations, flows and conditions that serve various kinds of people sharing their ideas and concepts. Therefore in the recent development of civilization cosmopolitanism is related to the endurance of urban spaces. In the geographical context of cosmopolitanism, there are two prominent views that have studied on the issue Ash Amin and Doreen Massey. They both have supported the concept of 'relational politics of place' that encourages wide geographical concern. Similarly, another view has been brought up by Amin who has expanded the discussion on 'politics of propinquity'. This concept necessitates the 'negotiating the immanent effects of geographical juxtaposition' (Amin, 2004: 39). On the way of nation's attitudes towards the concept of cosmopolitanism and nationalism he further suggest that for achieving its optimum outcome it demands an ethnic care and 'mutual regard towards those unlike us' (Amin 2006: 1017). Similar researches have been done by Keith, Ulrick Beck and Binnie through their books on Cosmopolitan vision and Cosmopolitan Urbanism.

Singapore is the home of diverse group of people. Immigrants have travelled to Singapore for employment, investment, domestic reasons, better education, better standard of living etc. thus they all have their own logical reasons behind dwelling in Singapore. With this cultural mix Singapore has become a 'global city'. It has also been a political concern for the country to survive with such diverse group of people and have sustainable economic development. The former Prime Minister Mr. Lee Kuan Yew have always wanted the nation to be tough and resilient to face the challenges imposed by the cultural, social and political dynamics of the society. Singapore has always been confronted with the dilemma of achieving national unity within this diversity and grows economically with the nationalism perspective. Various literatures have been evolved to rationalize the multi-faced environment and influence it towards national unity.