SINGAPORE - In the large vestibule of the conference hall holding the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Conference, just before the exit, the Singaporean authorities have set up a space for demonstrations. Eight square meters are fenced with ropes, and alongside a small sign reads: "This is a space for demonstrations. No bags, sound amplification devices, food, drinks, metal objects, wooden objects or flammable objects are allowed." In fact, nothing which the authorities do not approve of is allowed into the demonstration space. Those who wish to demonstrate must procure prior authorization from the police chief and bring it with them to the demonstration.

But a demonstration did take place: One European social activist took several books and pamphlets and a cellular phone and piled them on the floor in the center of the small demonstration space. This is a demonstration in Singapore. Conference attendees pass by the display without breaking their stride. Yet even the authorization for this "demonstration" was not easily obtained. It was a result of long negotiations between the conference's management and the management of the International Monetary Fund, which wanted no "disturbance of the peace."

Thus this year, for the first time in many years, there have been no demonstrations or disturbances of the peace at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Conference. No McDonald's branch has been burned, and there have been no police confrontations. The Singaporean authorities announced that anyone caught damaging property or spraying graffiti would be punished according to Singapore law, by flogging. It worked. Still, two more protests were held, both of minute proportions.