Jim Baker's Publications

In this fully updated 4th edition of his ever-popular Crossroads, Jim Baker adds new analysis following the watershed 2018 general elections in Malaysia and reviews the policies and impact of the next generation of Singapore's leaders. The original text, which traces the complex currents of history and politics of Malaysia and Singapore--neighbours with a common past--has also been revised to re-evaluate events in the context of new historical findings and perspectives. From Srivijaya to British colony to modern states, this is "history without tears" (The New Straits Times). "A must-read" -- Ken Whiting, former Associated Press Singapore Bureau Chief "Baker's thrilling book profits from his refusal to separate Singapore's history from Malaysia's. What we get is a broad story filled with surprising details drawn from his own experiences and from other scholarly works and told in an easy and captivating style." -- Dr Ooi Kee Beng, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore "Jim Baker's Crossroads is bound to raise more than a few eyebrows in more than a few quarters. His book presents a side of history not many may be aware of or even want to know ... it is as thought-provoking as it is enlightening." -- The Sun

"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.