Lesson for Singapore: concentration of power in a few led to Venice’s downfall


The longest dynasty in the history of China was the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC) - 790 years. The Republic of Venice was from 697–1797 - or a period of 1100 years. So what was the former editor’s point leh? That it was suppose to last forever? Or a 50 year old country can compare with a 1000 year old one?
 

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The longest dynasty in the history of China was the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC) - 790 years. The Republic of Venice was from 697–1797 - or a period of 1100 years. So what was the former editor’s point leh? That it was suppose to last forever? Or a 50 year old country can compare with a 1000 year old one?
Author doesn't even begin to understand what made Venice what is was during the period suggested. That would be Eurasian Silk Road trading connections and the Ottomans etc. It is really much more convoluted then what the author suggests. Way to simplistic. Singapore is a totally different story in a different day and age. I get his main jist though.

Amateurs...lol
 

I didntread the full article but many 'experts' evaluate matters using their own perspective and ignore the cultural context of the country they are comparing. This is especially true with the westerners. Good to use others az reference but every contry and their culture are different.even if you have live in that country for many years, you are still not the same.
 

Leslie Fong may have an axe to grind in his article. His main fixation seems to be the political structure in Singapore.
Which he claims or suggests is concentrated in a few.
There is no link between ancient 18th century Venice and modern 2019 Singapore.
Is it true that concentration of power in a few led to Venice’s downfall? I don't think so.
In the modern world, which country does not have concentration of power in a few? None.
In the 1600's when Holland and England routinely use the Cape of Good Hope sea route to colonise India, Dutch East Indies, etc...
Venice lost its pre-eminent role as a vital trade link using the old route. It was rendered obsolete.
Singapore is well aware of a similar possibility when the Northern Arctic sea routes for ships open up due to melting ice cap.
Which is an alternative to the Suez Canal route.
 

Singaporean are more rational. The reason why the current party can stay on is simple. Ask yourself these questions.

1. Have they done anything wrong?
2. What have they done wrong?
3. What so bad about the current government?

From a third world to a developed nation, it is an achievement. Don't you think so?

We have a group clean leaders.
 

To compare Singapore with Venice is like comparing durian with spaghetti. One is heavenly delicious and the other is bland, sour and slippery.

Power has to be concentrated for it to work just like durian cake.

China attained greatness when its power was concentrated in one man e.g. 秦始皇, 毛泽东 etc. :)