Can Authoritarian Capitalism Outlive Lee Kuan Yew?

From 1959 to 1990, Lee Kuan Yew guided Singapore’s remarkable rise to an Asian economic powerhouse. The Singaporean prime minister trail-blazed the creation of an “authoritarian capitalist” model of economic development, soon followed by China. The model was built on western ideas favored by Lee including meritocracy, universal public education, and emphasis on science and technology.. But the dominance of Lee’s People’s Action Party symbolized Lee’s rejection of western pluralistic democracy and free expression. His recent death highlighted his prominence in Singaporean history and his strong influence on China and other countries which listened to his advice. Singapore is changing, notes the New Yorker’s John Cassidy, and small steps toward multiparty democracy and free speech could change Lee’s role in the Singaporean collective consciousness. Cassidy concludes that Lee could be viewed as “a transitional figure, rather than as the creator of a durable rival to Western democracy,” as Singapore edges toward wider representation and pluralistic democracy. – YaleGlobal