In 1997 and 1998, Asia was hit with a severe economic crisis. Most countries in the region were faced with massive currency fluctuations, banking crises, and plummeting stock markets. Economic problems were compounded by political turmoil. Given past experiences in Asia of massive financial difficulties coupled with political upheaval--specifically in Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia--I begin with a broad question: What is the relationship between economic crises and ...