COMPARATIVE GOVERNANCE AND POLITICAL STABILITY: A STUDY OF SINGAPORE AND SOUTH KOREA

Abstract

In this paper, I compare political stability and governance models for Singapore and South Korea using qualitative comparative analysis. I first look at how two successful Asian states achieved stability and economic development through different political systems Singapore under a soft-authoritarian regime and South Korea under a liberal democracy. The use of case study analysis and other secondary statistical data helps identify key similarities concerning economic modernization and institutional effectiveness, as well as differences regarding political freedoms, political party competition, and state-society relations. I find that Singapore employs governance that is more constricted and order-preservative, while South Korea employs a more open and order-affirming democracy. I argue that both systems create stability, albeit through different means, which are influenced by their historical and state-building trajectories