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Michael Backman (born 19 September 1967) is an Australian-born writer who now resides in London. Much of his writing relates to Asia’s economies, business, culture and politics. == Writing and ideas == Backman has written widely about the ills faced by Asia’s economies, arguing for greater scrutiny and transparency and denouncing official corruption. He argues that a free and well-resourced media is one way in which greater transparency and accountability can be brought about. His bluntness coupled with his knowledge of Asia has drawn both public praise and opprobrium from political leaders and others in Asia. Another recurring theme of Backman's is that business people seeking to do business in Asia must understand the cultural and political context of Asia and not just business per se. Accordingly, his books have included chapters on the role of women in Asia, Islam, executions, and so on. Another theme is that Asian leaders must be accountable for their actions - to the citizens they are supposed to serve and that this is best guaranteed by an independent judiciary and a free media. Backman's main book on corporate governance in Asia – Asian Eclipse – was described by one commentator in Hong Kong's South China Morning Post as "the most corrosive, devastating attack on Asian business practices I've ever seen. It was a real eye opener. I thought it was amazing stuff."〔Mitchell, T., 'Tales from the Asian dark side', South China Morning Post, 5 May 2003.〕 Backman has said that legal advice prevented him from going even further.〔Asian Wall Street Journal, ‘I will if you will', 25–26 June 1999.〕 The Economist named it as one of the “finest” non-fiction books of the year. Said The Economist, “Backman really understands why business evolved the way it did in Asia.”〔The Economist, "Our reviewers' favourites", 4 December 1999.〕 Praise also came from some surprising quarters. Thailand's then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra included the book in his list of 109 books that all Thais should read.〔The Nation, 'Homework assignment from the kingdom', 24 May 2005.〕 His books have been translated into Chinese, Indonesian and Spanish as well as being available in English. Backman has also played a role in the debate over his native Australia's relationship with Asia. Rowan Callick writing in the Australian Financial Review described Backman as "the brilliant young writer on regional business strategies" and one of the fresh names to drive debate over Australia’s future role in Asia.〔Callick, R., 'Fresh faces to drive debate in region', Australian Financial Review, 1 January 2002.〕 Backman is not without his critics. The support he has offered Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has been criticised for example.〔Case, W., ‘Painted Black’, Far Eastern Economic Review, 18 February 1999; and Khoo Boo Tiek, ‘Mahathir, Foreign media no bitter foes’, The Nation, 5 August 1999.〕 But then perhaps not surprisingly, Backman’s support was quoted approvingly in a speech by Malaysia’s then Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik.〔Ling Liong Sik, Media release: ‘Dr M’s vision brought progress in education’, 13 January 2002.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Michael Backman」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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