IPS WORKING PAPERS 9

From one of control, cooptation, and contestation to one based on partnership - a recently crafted Singapore 21 (S21) vision signifies the political leaders’ effort to foster a close partnership between the city-state and the citizenry. However, the path to this new partnership is not without obstacles. For one, the state sector has a hegemonic relationship with the civil society historically and this has prevented the development of vibrant civic organisations that might challenge its agenda and actions. Three recently concluded case studies in the areas of urban redevelopment, environmental protection and minority rights demonstrate social capital as a key resource in realising Singapore’s new vision. Still, it can be argued that social capital can be negative as well, characterised by a mistrust between the state agencies and "non-traditional" civil society actors, non-bridging and exclusive networks of consultation and participation, and vaguely defined norms, authority relations, and boundary conditions between the state and civil society. This paper shows that the realisation of the S21 vision, to a significant extent, depends on how social capital is being created and renewed in Singapore’s evolving political landscape.

Tan Tay Keong (2001), Social Capital and State-Civil Society Relations in Singapore, Singapore: IPS, 50 pages.