Lee Kuan Yew

By: Graham Allison, Robert D. Blackwill, Ali Wyne

Narrated by: Michael McConnohie, Francis Chau

Length: 4 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Lee Kuan Yew speaks, presidents, prime ministers, diplomats, and CEOs listen.

Lee, the founding father of modern Singapore and its prime minister from 1959 to 1990, has honed his wisdom during more than fifty years on the world stage. Almost single-handedly responsible for transforming Singapore into a Western-style economic success, he offers a unique perspective on the geopolitics of East and West. American presidents from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama have welcomed him to the White House; British prime ministers from Margaret Thatcher to Tony Blair have recognized his wisdom; and business leaders from Rupert Murdoch to Rex Tillerson, CEO of Exxon Mobil, have praised his accomplishments.

This book gathers key insights from interviews, speeches, and Lee's voluminous published writings and presents them in an engaging question and answer format. Lee offers his assessment of China's future, asserting, among other things, that "China will want to share this century as co-equals with the U.S." He affirms the United States' position as the world's sole superpower but expresses dismay at the vagaries of its political system. He offers strategic advice for dealing with China and goes on to discuss India'sfuture, Islamic terrorism, economic growth, geopolitics and globalization, and democracy.

Lee does not pull his punches, offering his unvarnished opinions on multiculturalism, the welfare state, education, and the free market. This audiobook belongs on the reading list of every world leader - including the one who took the oath of office on January 20, 2013.

©2012 Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Thought-provoking

Until I read this short book I did not know much about Yew except that he took over Singapore after World War II and is the founding father of modern Singapore. Yew was Prime Minister from 1959-1990.

Graham Allison and Robert Blackwell two leading strategic thinkers asked Yew questions and also put together information from his voluminous writings and speeches. The book is mainly in a question and answer format, the result is this concise, but important book.

I found myself engrossed in the incisive wisdom presented by Yew. I really enjoyed the following comment in the book. “China tells us that countries big and small are equal, that it is not a hegemon; but when we do something they do not like, they say you have made 1.3 billion people unhappy. So please know your place.” When asked if India will match China’s rise? Yew said “Not likely, India is not a real country. Instead, it is 32 separate nations that happen to be arrayed along the British rail line.” I think Yew’s comments about China are right on the mark. When asked by the authors will China accept its place within the postwar order created by the United States? Yew answered, “No. It is China’s intention to become the greatest power in the world—and to be accepted as China, not as an honorary member of the West.” One comment he made has got my attention. Yew said “The United States focuses on individual rights but has failed to pair this with individual responsibility.

Yew is 90 years old and his comments on the United States are pertinent to many of the debates in which we are enmeshed today. This book has triggered my interest to learn more about this most insightful man. Michael McConnohie and Francis Chau narrated the book.

11 people found this helpful

Very inciteful geo-political views by Lee Kuan Yew

Very inciteful geo-political views by Lee Kuan Yew. He is indeed an asset the up coming Generation Z politicians.

1 person found this helpful

Amazing insight

Amazing insights by one of the greatest modern leaders. I really enjoy this book; covered wide range of key topics.

Lee Kwan Yu's greatest hits!

If you want to understand Singapore as well Southeast Asia politics, this book is for you. There is so much useful information in this book that I would definitely be listening to it again.

Worth Your Time If Interested in China

A wise and learned man who's knowledge of China and the surrounding east Asian countries is/was as good as anyone in the world and better than most. I'd be very interested to hear his perspective in the age of C19, but since he's passed away, that won't happen. Everyone in the federal Executive and Legislative of the government should listen to this book.

Excellent Insights

It's hard to describe how insightful this book is on a pragmatic approach to leadership. Lee Kuan Yew's insights and actions as a leader transformed his "city" into an internationally recognized financial power center. After listening to his thoughts on different perspectives from cultural to civic responsibilities, you get a sense for the man that transformed his tiny country into the Asian power player it is today. If you're a politically correct person - walk away. Lee Kuan Yew is NOT for you. His philosophies carry aspects of Confucian, Clausewitz, and even some Hobbes. Critical to everyone and yet complimentary to everyone - this book is a must for students of international relations.

outstanding

Every now and again I get mesmerized by intellect, wisdom, and vision. This was one of those times. Simply amazing.

LKY was a giant figure on global politics

LKY was a giant figure on global politics and this book provides a fascinating perspective from the man who was Singapore's first Prime Minister and the founder of modern Singapore.

Inspiring.....fantastic book.

This is a must read for any leader and those inspiring to leadership. It offers great insights on leadership from a Leader whose leadership prowes is well proven. Lee Kuan Yua earned the right to instruct on leadership.

Worth the read but a lot of dated information

To be sure Lee Quan you has much wisdom and insight that we can learn from. However while the authors made a valiant attempt to cobble together many different responses quotes and statements by Lee Quan you, there were a noticeable amount of references that were dated or in other words referencing trends and current events that were 20 or more years old. I would still recommend this bookSpace however I would advise the reader that the statements” were made over a period of 15 or more years. Submit

1 person found this helpful

Right up my street

I love reading but reading this book was like someone had translated and put into text my pattern of thoughts. Absolutely brilliant and a must read. I am definitely recommending and buying copies as gifts for selected friends

2 people found this helpful

Outstanding

Best practical insights I have read on how nations develop. This is a must read.

2 people found this helpful

Master Mind

Grand Statesman (although Lee did not intend to be) set out an insightful and realistic analysis for the world order

Brilliant read / Listen

Loved it , Crisp , cutting edge , raw thought provoking insightful wisdom !!!