a stratagem or manoeuvre employed by a powerfulperson, community or nation to suppress the voice of a weak person, community or nation.
The USAalways uses the gag theory to prevent the developing and underdeveloped countries from having their say in major decisions relating to world affairs.
See gag me with a spoon, except a shovel is bigger than a spoon, so this phrase is used to express even more displeasure than gagging on a spoon would achieve.
Can you believe American Idol is on its 14th Season?