This book explains the changing pattern of contentious politics in the democratization process of the two city-states Singapore and Hong Kong. It explores the causal connections between popular contention and democratization by applying a multi-disciplinary approach, using theoretical insights from the political sciences, sociology and psychology. It argues that the differences in the strategies applied by the ruling elite in the city-states explain why members of the opposition were empowered or obstructed in challenging the government.<BR>