Just a Add a Dash of Authoritarianism

Singapore became self-governing in 1959 and gained full independence in 1965 after a brief period as part of Malaysia. Over the ensuing decades, Singapore transformed from a small port in Asia to the seventh largest GDP per capita. With little to no resources or even land area - there are only 19 smaller nations - Singapore is often hailed as a model of success, arguably leading the Asian Tigers, which also include South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

But between 1959 and 1990, Singapore was led, all-but autocratically, by a single man - Lee Kuan Yew, whose funeral was held Sunday after passing away one week ago. Also since 1959, a single party has controlled Singaporean politics, the People's Action Party. The eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, Lee Hsien Loong, has led Singapore since 2004.  These are not the typical politics of an economic and international paragon. In fact, if you take away the economic success, Singapore looks more like the typical pariah state than a vanguard.

Nonetheless, Singapore has clearly been an economic success story. World leaders turned out for Lee Kuan Yew's funeral. Singapore is often seen as a model that other nations can scale. China has emulated some of its policies and tactics. But does the model truly scale? Can "soft authoritarianism" that was effective in a an area characterized by its limited geography and alternative opportunity prosper on a grander scale? That question remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Singapore experiment continues to demonstrate what could be possible, if political and economic dreams can be massaged into sound and equitable policies.

Boko Haram: A New Beginning?

Boko Haram, whose name loosely translates to "Western education is a sin," has been operating in Nigeria since the early 2000's. It was not designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States Department of State until 2013, although there was likely sufficient evidence to make the designation earlier. During those ten years, as Boko Haram and its influence grew, it was sometimes difficult to grasp the organization's potential longevity, though time itself should have been an indicating factor over the years.

(Boko Haram attacks, BBC)

This week, Boko Haram leaders pledged allegiance to ISIS, a move that could reflect a new beginning for the terrorist group. Evidence that ISIS has been influencing Boko Haram has existed for the past few months. It could also simply demonstrate the reach and dominance of ISIS. All in all, the full impact of this 'bayat' are not entirely clear. Increased coordination between different organizations is certainly of concern, reminding nations of similar coordination under the al-Qaeda umbrella. At the same time, Boko Haram could simply be jumping on the ISIS bandwagon. 

Battling ISIS - A Short Update

Despite the numerous groups battling ISIS, there has been arguably minimal organized support from Western governments, who are most equipped, militarily speaking. Nonetheless, alongside the flow of individuals from Western nations to fight for ISIS, there has been a smaller flow of individuals from Western nations fighting against ISIS. Many of these individuals have little affiliation with the Middle East. Some have military training, some do not.

Meanwhile, in the closing days of February, Ashley Johnston, an Australian, died fighting ISIS. He is believed to be the first Westerner to die fighting with the numerous groups battling ISIS. Seemingly immediately after his death, Australia made it a crime to be Australian and exist in Mosul, with few exceptions. Although the law has good intentions, it almost feels like a stopgap measure. What does it accomplish? How will it be proven that you were in Mosul? Will it really prevent Australians who want to be there from being there?

Perhaps some thought should be given not necessarily as to how the government can directly support or oppose individual efforts, but how to stop the movement overall - how to defeat ISIS entirely.