In recent decades, there is a phenomenon which makes us give some attention: the so-called Southeast Asian "tigers" have rivaled the western "lions" for stock cliches that make economic headlines. The myth of American economic hegemony(霸权) over Asia in the imposing and patriarchal figure of Uncle Sam has provided frequent political grist (有利) for Southeast Asian political leaders, particularly Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir. He has attempted to forge an international reputation as a snarling tiger, but lately sounds more like a barnyard dog groaning at shadows. Without demeaning in any way the remarkable achievements of the newly developing economies of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, these nations at times appear to be their own worst enemies. This is often exemplified by Dr. Mahathir, who rails at Western evil whenever an international or domestic cr provides an opportunity.
To be more specific, the recent devaluation of the Philippine and Thai currencies, and the subsequent pressure on the Malaysian currency has inspired Dr. Mahathir to launch an all-out attack on the West as the source of the problem. He even alleges that the United States has deliberately destabilized Southeast Asian economies in revenge for these nations supporting the brutal military rule in Mahathir, an action which the United States seems to want to inspect rather than to reward. But by resorting to sucha scapegoat (替罪羊), instead of accepting even a bit responsibility, the Prime Minister may undermine the future success of the region and Malaysia in particular.
Upon further questioning, Dr. Mahathir narrowed his attack to one wealthy individual, the well-known philanthropist (慈善家), Mr. George Soros, whose opposition to Myanmar’s admission to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Mahathir found particularly irritating. The logical mistakes that underlie such conspiracy theories do not help Malaysia address the serious issues of economic overheating that experts have been warning about for all these difficult periods, which include large deficits and low savings to debt ratios. In fact, the recent dramatic drop in Malaysia’s stock market and currency has led Dr. Mahathir to reverse his initial approach to the cr. He even announces measures that at least imply he is quite aware of excesses in his own administration’s spending policies that have contributed to this cr of confidence. In the end, this kind of reaction undermines the esteem that Dr. Mahathir’s enlightened leadership has justly earned.
Which of the following is the tone of this essay