Japanese, but Michel Albert claims that the European model (“Rhine capitalism” according to his terminology) includes the Japanese system. $ ^{6} $

## 4 -2-2 Alternative Models and Goals

If there is a single pattern of market economy --the goal of transitional movement-- the path connecting the initial position (a centrally planned economy) with the goal is less diverse; this is the case of a “single model”. However, if there are plural patterns of market economies as the possible goals, the transitional path is more complicated, and the leaders of a transitional economy can choose a pattern of market economy out of plural alternatives; the path depends on the selection of the goal. This is the basic idea of “pluralistic model”. $ ^{7} $

The selection of goals is a complicated decision making process, which is composed of political, cultural, and economic aspects. In our opinion, the initial conditions of the transitional economy are the most important factor in the decision. This subject will be treated later.

Neither the World Bank nor the IMF argue explicitly on the goal of transition. This suggests that they assume a single pattern of market economy, which is very close to the American model (“hidden assumption of single pattern of market economy”). In our opinion, however, it is meaningful for a transitional economy to consider plural patterns of market economies and choose the most appropriate or preferable one, as each economy has its own unique conditions.

A transitional economy can draw a lesson from the pluralistic approach of Malaysia, which is called “look east policy”. In his article titled “On the Look East Policy”, Mahathir Bin Mohamad, the prime minister of Malaysia, advocates his preference of the socio-economic pattern of Asian countries, in particular of Japan and Korea, to the European one. His argument is as follows: $ ^{8} $

(1) The basic feature of the value system in Europe is the emphasis on the right of citizens. Rights of minorities are often protected even if these are not compatible with the national interest or the interests of the majority. European societies can afford to maintain such a value system, as their societies are affluent, but Malaysia, which is a developing country, cannot afford to do so.

(2) On the other hand, under the democracy of Japan and Korea, the rights of citizens are protected only when it is compatible with the national interest or the interest of the ‘group’. Such a philosophy, which is reflected in their labor ethics, ensures economic success and social stability.

(3) After comparing these two types of societies very carefully, Malaysia determined to “look East”.

Similar attitudes comparing different socio-economic types in order to look for a model is adopted by Chinese and Vietnamese leaders as well as these days; for example, the Report of the First Vietnam-Japan Joint Economic Conference introduces a statement from a leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which resembles with Mahathir's viewpoint. $ ^{9} $ Alan Blinder's lecture for the former USSR people appears to be a kind of pluralistic approach. After considering the socio-cultural characteristics of the former centrally planned economies in Europe, he suggests that, "given where they are coming from, the formerly socialist