Is Economic Nationalism Good for the Environment? A Case Study of Singapore

Sajid Anwar; C-Y Sam

doi:10.1080/10357823.2011.651441

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Is Economic Nationalism Good for the Environment? A Case Study of Singapore

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Is Economic Nationalism Good for the Environment? A Case Study of Singapore

Sajid Anwar and C-Y Sam

Asian Studies Review, Vol.36(1), pp.39-58

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10357823.2011.651441

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Abstract

Singapore

economic nationalism

environmental degradation

climate change

Kyoto protocol

It has been argued that the preoccupation of individual nations with economic growth and development has contributed to environmental degradation. Economic nationalism is viewed as a hindrance to international strategies that can be used to slow the rate of environmental degradation. This paper argues that, in the case of Singapore, the means to mitigate environmental concerns are largely driven by material interests. Emissions control measures have been introduced provided they have been deemed economically feasible. But this has not prevented the city state from being a socially responsible member of the global community. This paper argues that, in today's context, policies that appear to be "nationalist" may not be totally inconsistent with policies that could help to improve the standard of living of all members of the international community. Selective engagement in regional and global initiatives realistically portrays the policy choices of many nation states. This paper contends that environment-related initiatives have to be seen in terms of reconciling the dual objectives of maximising the national interest and mitigating the global problem of environmental degradation.

Details

Title: Is Economic Nationalism Good for the Environment? A Case Study of Singapore
Authors: Sajid Anwar (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
C-Y Sam (Author) - PSB Academy, Singapore
Publication details: Asian Studies Review, Vol.36(1), pp.39-58
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.1080/10357823.2011.651441
ISSN: 1035-7823
Organisation Unit: School of Business and Creative Industries; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449511402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Area Studies; Asian Studies; Cultural Studies