The national interests of Singapore: a background study for United States policy

Abstract

With the loss of United States bases in the Philippines, the forward presence mission of the US military is moving into to a new phase. With fiscal restructing at home and less unity of purpose among the nations of Asia, the United States is moving to a strategy of 'place not bases' in Southeast Asia. For the strategy to succeed, it is necessary to find like-minded partners in the region who will allow open access to facilities to provide the support needed for the US military to operate globally. The Republic Singapore has been a vocal advocate for a continuing presence of United States forces in the Asia-Pacific. In consonance with its views. Singapore has offered the United States military expanded access to its facilities, agreeing to allow the stationing of a limited number of US military personnel in the Republic. It behooves Us policy planners to understand the views of the Government of Singapore. This thesis explores institutional development in Singapore, detailing the evolution of its political, economic, diplomatic and defense structures. As a background study, it gives an appreciation of Singapore's world view and national interests