Problem:
"Five of the fastest-growing economies of the past 30 years—China, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong—had one thing in common at the start of their economic growth: undemocratic governments. Thus, it can be concluded that totalitarian governments are better for a functioning market economy than are democratic governments."
All the discussion about the political, social, and economic competitive advantages in the Southeast Asia region took to Li and Xu (2007) researched how the level of freedom influenced economic development in seven Asian economies (China, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand). The findings showed that an open economy was the critical factor in economic development, as well as the disconnection between economy and politics in terms of freedom and economic influence (Li, and Xu, 2007).
Specific factors of growth related to political stability include:
• Rapid exports
• Economic policy to foster entrepreneurship
• Rapid growth in manufacturing
• Rapid industrialization
It is clear that political stability rather than a specific political system, as well as the disconnection between political pressures and economic policies are critical variables for the economic growth. Do you agree? Disagree? Why or why not?