Taking ideas and frameworks from philosophy, psychology, political science, cultural studies and anthropology, this book tells the larger 'truth' about the Singapore state. This book argues that this strong hegemonic state achieves effective rule not just from repressive policies but also through a combination of efficient government, good standard of living, tough official measures and popular compliance.

Souchou Yao looks at the reasons behind the hegemonic ruling, examining key events such as the caning of American teenager Michael Fay, the judicial ruling on fellatio and unnatural sex, and Singapore's 'war on terror' to show the ways in which the State manages these events to ensure the continuance of its power and ideological ethos.

Lively, and well-written, this book discusses key subject areas such as:

leftist radicalism and communist insurgency

nation-building as trauma

Western 'yellow culture' and Asian Values

judicial caning and the meaning of pain

the law and oral sex

food and the art of lying

cinema as catharsis

Singapore after September 11.