ABSTRACT
Most Western analysts intuitively subscribe to a unilinear view that all non-Western nations will follow the exemplary Western path of development; and that there is no other way. Owing to this conviction, they assume that certain ideas and ideals held dear in the West – such as the democratic theory of development, and laissez faire economics – have transcendental value and hence hold universal appeal. Accordingly, they disparage, even disdain, Asian values and institutions.
