Cherian George

"Think of Singapore instead as the Air-Conditioned Nation—a society with a unique blend of comfort and central control, where people have mastered their environment, but at the cost of individual autonomy, and at the risk of unsustainability."

Air-Conditioned Nation Revisited is an anthology of essays on Singapore politics by Cherian George. It draws upon his influential collection Singapore: The Air-Conditioned Nation (2000), on the country's politics of comfort and control, and from Singapore, Incomplete (2017), on its underdeveloped democracy. Updated for the impending transition to a new generation of leaders, this 20th anniversary edition of Air-Conditioned Nation offers critical reflections on continuity and change in Singapore’s unique political culture.

Essays on Singapore Politics

Air-Conditioned Nation Revisited

Magdalene Lim

Air-conditioning strikes a cord as most of us are working from home, away from our air-conditioned offices, this Circuit Breaker/Lockdown period. Is it enjoyable to work without the air-conditioning? Probably not. Some claim to not be able to work if they don't have air-con. But can we live without it? Probably but it's not ideal.

I am surprised that this book got published and republished, but am glad that it did. It opened my eyes and would give anyone (especially the politically apathetic) the background to our history from a slightly different light. CG writes really well and I loved the analogy of the air-conditioned nation - something I relate to more than nanny state.

Enjoyed the read though it got progressively heavier. It was definitely more meaningful reading this than the other chicklit I've been devouring. However, as with most non-fiction books, the question is, what will I take away from it? What will I do with the information that I've read? I'm curious about you who has read the book too. :)

Air-Conditioned Nation Revisited Essays on Singapore Politics

Reviews