Argues that theories on post-colonialism and ethnicity are disturbingly close to the colonial discourse of the nineteenth century. This book revisits the ideas in light of developments in post-colonial theory.

Shows Sartre, a philosopher, passionately engaged in using philosophy as a force for change in the world. An important influence on postcolonial thought, this book takes on resonance in the light of the West's bout of interference in the non-Western world.

This new edition builds on themes presented in the first edition such as focusing on the significance of comic 'events' through study of various theoretical methodologies, including deconstruction, psychoanalysis and gender theory, and provides case studies of a number of themes, ranging from the drag act to the simplicity of slipping on a banana skin.

Written at the height of the Cold War, the author argues that the only way to end the threat of nuclear war is to end war itself.