Singapore and the Changing World Order (GSS504)

GSS504 Singapore and the Changing World Order will explore Singapore’s role in the evolving global landscape. While economic globalisation and the revitalisation of international institutions have increased connectivity, they have also led to new conflicts and fractures within and between states. Singapore’s experiences reflect these broader trends. The city-state has prospered from open markets and global cooperation, integrating its economy with partners worldwide. However, Singapore has also confronted challenges from ‘new wars’ and non-state actors threatening regional stability, mirroring issues faced by nations globally. In a world where international institutions’ authority is contested and where sovereignty tensions with transnational networks arise, Singapore must navigate these complexities. The course will delve into key concepts like governance, globalisation, development, security, networks, inequality, humanitarianism, justice, legitimacy, and geopolitics, and their impact on our world. For Singapore, these concepts are particularly relevant. The city-state embodies aspects of globalisation, yet balancing openness with sovereignty remains a challenge. This course will provide insights into how Singapore navigates this tension and its approach to multilateral institutions.

• Globalisation and Singapore’s Integration
• New Wars and Non-State Actors
• Tensions of Openness and Sovereignty
• Multilateral Institutions and Legitimacy
• Global Governance Concepts
• Singapore’s Approach to Global Institutions
• Economic Integration and Development
• Regional Stability and Security Challenges
• Singapore’s Foreign Policy in a Changing World
• Transnational Networks and Territorial Sovereignty
• Singapore’s Role in Global Humanitarianism
• Justice, Inequality, and Global Governance

• Discuss the rise of ‘new wars’ and non-state actors, and their impact on regional stability
• Examine the tensions between openness and sovereignty in managing globalisation
• Appraise Singapore’s specific role and influence within key global institutions
• Assess Singapore’s approach to multilateralism and global governance
• Distinguish similarities and differences between Singapore’s experiences with globalisation
• Formulate innovative strategies to navigate the complexity of globalisation