Nationalism and Decolonisation in Singapore: The Malayan Generation, 1953 - 1963

Nationalism and Decolonisation in Singapore explores the decolonization movement in Singapore between 1953 and 1963, examining the underlying conflicts that continue to shape the country today. The book argues that the schisms of race, class, language, and self-determination drove the events of decolonization and continue to influence Singapore's politics and society. It provides a new approach to the period using contemporary English- and Chinese-language sources and declassified official documents. The book focuses on the leaders of the Chinese-speaking, working class, and left-wing intellectuals who influenced Singapore's anti-colonial nationalism. It examines Singapore's history in the context of global movements of nationalism, socialism, and decolonization and offers insights into similar attempts by postcolonial governments to construct new nation-states from plural societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Between 1953 and 1963, Singapore experienced a significant period of decolonization, which was marked by a complex and multifaceted movement. This book, titled "Nationalism and Decolonization in Singapore," aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the deepest and most important unresolved conflicts that continue to shape Singaporean society today.

The author of this book argues that the events of decolonization, the creation of Malaysia, and Singapore's separation were driven by four unresolved schisms that date back to the period of decolonization: race, class, language, and the meaning of self-determination. These schisms continue to actively shape Singapore's political and social landscape, and the book seeks to explore their origins and implications in detail.

To achieve this, the book employs a wide range of contemporary English- and Chinese-language sources from various perspectives, including declassified official documents. These sources provide a unique insight into the different ideologies, institutions, and conflicts that shaped Singaporean politics and society during decolonization. In particular, the book focuses on the leaders of the main groups that played a significant role in shaping Singapore's anti-colonial nationalism: the Chinese-speaking, the working class, and left-wing intellectuals.

By examining Singapore's history within the context of global movements of nationalism, socialism, and decolonization, the book offers a valuable framework for understanding similar attempts by postcolonial governments to construct new nation-states from plural societies. The book will be of interest to researchers of Southeast Asian history and politics, as well as those interested in decolonization, nationalism, identity, and the politics of race, class, and language.

In conclusion, "Nationalism and Decolonization in Singapore" is a groundbreaking study that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex and multifaceted history of Singapore's decolonization movement. By examining the roots, ideologies, and conflicts that shaped this period, the book provides a valuable framework for understanding the ongoing challenges and complexities that Singapore faces as a nation.

Weight: 810g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032484259