Summary: After the 1997 Asian crisis, most Asian countries embarked on a serious process of reform to revitalise their economies. This highly topical book begins with a thorough analysis of the reforms proposed and implemented in China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. This analysis focuses on financial and corporate sector reforms and on the changing role of public administrations. The authors argue that the chain effects of the Asian crisis are not only confined to a regional economic context: the evolution of the role of regional associations and of the security scenario in East Asia outlines the beginning of a deep and comprehensive political, economic and social change.

Leading scholars with in-depth knowledge of each country focus on these international variables, in particular; the role of APEC in the wake of the Asian crisis and the Seattle debacle, the process of economic integration in East Asia and the evolution in East Asian regional security.

As a multidisciplinary work, Reforming Economic Systems in Asia will be warmly received by researchers and academics of Asian studies, political science and political economy. Anyone involved in international business and in designing strategies for international enterprises will also find this book of special interest.