Is there anything in the literature that tries to draw a parallel between the rise of "free cities" and merchant city-states of the past, and the more recent rise of city-states like Hong Kong and Singapore?

by wordboyhere

Specifically their focus on meritocratic governance or attraction of foreign talent and industries.

melissarose8585

You might be interested in studies of the rise and changes in "entrepots." These (and the cities you mentioned) are usually cities thriving on trade and being commercial hubs instead of goods produced locally.

I don't have the reading lists available at the moment, but look for research on the port of Aden, Singapore and Malaysia's complicated history from 1750 to now, and anything referencing the 4 Tigers.