On the Seventh Day, He Rested: Lee Kuan Yew and the Creation of Singapore
Abstract
In August 1963, Lee Kuan Yew neither sought nor welcomed the strategic challenge he suddenly faced: forming a nation-state where one had never existed. Malaysia's expulsion left Singapore no alternative but to accept the risk, and the opportunity, of nationhood. While Lee had only months earlier denied even the possibility of independence, he now placed his considerable intellectual and organizational talents to that end. The story of Singapore's successful entry into nationhood is primarily the story of Lee Kuan Yew's insight in analyzing the strategic environment, and his willingness to impose exacting, results-oriented domestic policies in pursuit of national goals. Lee's paternal authoritarianism proved to be highly successful, but this success sowed the seeds of discontent now producing weeds in his island paradise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA442086
Entities
People
- Patrick C. Neary
Organizations
- National War College