Comment by mwidell

1 day ago

the most prominent long-term technocratic/meritocratic cases (especially Singapore) rank among the least corrupt countries

Singapore is the opposite of the ivory tower rule. Most high-ranking officials hold either a master's or a professional degree. You wouldn’t find many PhDs with no prior executive experience.

Maybe low corruption is a prerequisite for successful technocratic government.

Edit: which makes sense, because technocracy leans heavily on trust (in the experts).

I mean Singapore is also a dictatorship which muddies a useful comparison, but I didn't realise it was so strong on corruption.

  • International observers have never found flaw with Singapore's elections, have they?

    > but I didn't realise it was so strong on corruption.

    That's literally a core part of the brand, isn't it?

  • Politicians are very well compensated there. And part of their pay is linked to how well they perform. Prime minister gets 3 million per year for example.

  • I'd imagine not having to deal with PR to your voters would make going by merit easier, not harder

    • What makes you think Singaporean politicians don't have to deal with voters?