This book investigates the complex and often fraught relationship between government institutions and private business sectors in East Asia following the 1997 financial crisis. Edited by Edmund Terence Gomez, the text compiles research from international specialists to analyze how political structures influence economic reform. By examining the prevalence of corruption and cronyism, the authors argue that these systemic interactions are fundamental to understanding the region's ongoing economic development and stability.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational introduction to the political economy of East Asia. Readers frequently note the academic rigor of the case studies and the clarity with which the contributors address the structural challenges facing these developing economies.