Becoming global Asia : contemporary genres of postcolonial capitalism in Singapore / Cheryl Narumi Naruse

Includes bibliographical references and index

Introduction : global Asia, a wayward postcolonialism -- The cultural history of Singapore literary anthologies -- Overseas Singaporeans and their uses : population aesthetics and territorial productions of Singapore's global Asia imaginary -- Coming-of-career narratives, postcolonial work ethic, and the promise of a new Nation -- The princess fantasy of Singapore : shorter histories and US decline in crazy rich Asians -- Conclusion

"Becoming Global Asia centers Singapore as a crucial site for comprehending the uneven effects of colonialism and capitalism. In the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Singapore initiated socioeconomic policies and branding campaigns to transform its reputation from a culturally sterile and punitive nation to "Global Asia"-an alluring location ideal for economic flourishing. Rather than evaluating the efficacy of state policy, Cheryl Narumi Naruse analyzes how Singapore gained cultural capital and soft power from its anglophonic legibility. By examining genres such as literary anthologies, demographic compilations, coming-of-career narratives, and princess fantasies, Naruse reveals how, as Global Asia, Singapore has emerged as simultaneously a site of imperial desire, a celebrated postcolonial model nation, and an alibi for the continued subjugation of the so-called Third World. Her readings of Global Asia as a formation of postcolonial capitalism offer new conceptual paradigms for understanding postcolonialism, neoliberalism, and empire"-- Provided by publisher