The eagle in the lion city : America, Americans and Singapore

"When America sneezes, Singapore catches the flu" - so goes the familiar phrase that describes the close economic ties between the United States and Singapore. But the relationship is about more than present-day trade and investment ties. The relationship is about two centuries of colourful interaction between the US and Southeast Asia, especially Singapore. This thoughtful and well-researched book gives the essential chronology of this history from pre-colonial times to the present and draws out the external forces and socio-political impulses that shape this relationship. Going well beyond the Michael Fay Affair, this book introduces the reader to many other Americans who made their presence in Singapore - from early explorers in the 18th century to Methodist missionaries, Cold War CIA agents, the "oil patch" community, the early MNCs and present-day expatriates.