An insightful adage states that a best friend dispenses "tough love," meaning that if one is turning into an alcoholic, the friend will withhold strong drink -- and he will encourage one to face some painful truths as well.
Michael Backman is surely one of Asia's best friends.
His sharp eyes perceive how several Asian economies became drunk on a sweet but dangerous cocktail giddily mixed out of corruption, family politics, lack of accountability and flouted laws. Consequently, Korea and Indonesia almost collapsed in the financial meltdown of 1997-98, and the region's superstar, Japan, remains in an economic and political stupor, neither passed out nor vigorous.