Liberalism Unveiled: Forging A New Third Way In Singapore

Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP) has faced criticism from left-leaning progressive scholars and activists for its technocratic elitism and prioritization of economic growth. Bryan Cheang and Donovan Choy offer a fresh classical liberal perspective in their book, arguing that both sides of the political puzzle need to be better understood. They propose greater competition and freedom in policy-making, critiquing the conservative-right's approach to the Singapore Consensus and engaging with the new social democratic orthodoxy. The book advocates for epistemic liberalism, a governance system based on intellectual humility, limited government, and decentralization.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 252 pages
\n Publication date: 24 December 2020
\n Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd
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Since 1965, Singapore has experienced remarkable economic growth, propelling it to the forefront of first-world prosperity. However, the People's Action Party (PAP), known for its technocratic elitism, has faced increasing criticism from a new generation of left-leaning progressive scholars and activists who condemn the excesses of neoliberalism. The PAP's governance style, which prioritizes economic growth, has been criticized in favor of a vaguely European-style welfare state and greater state intervention. Bryan Cheang and Donovan Choy challenge this traditional pro-PAP versus anti-PAP dichotomy by offering a fresh classical liberal perspective. They argue that both sides of the political spectrum fail to grasp the full complexity of the political puzzle. In their book, "Singapore Consensus: Communitarianism, Meritocracy, and Technocracy," the authors propose a new path forward for Singapore's policy-making, emphasizing greater competition and freedom. They critique the conservative-right by offering a fresh interpretation of the philosophical underpinnings of the Singapore Consensus, which includes communitarianism, meritocracy, and technocracy. The authors also engage with the new social democratic orthodoxy, highlighting the dangers of egalitarian interventions and state-based environmentalism. By applying the interdisciplinary insights of political philosophy and political economy, the book advocates for epistemic liberalism, a governance system based on intellectual humility, limited government, and decentralization. This novel account provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of Singapore's political landscape, offering valuable insights for policymakers and scholars alike.

\n Weight: 518g\n
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9789811220746\n \n