The document discusses the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998. It began in Thailand in May 1997 when the Thai baht collapsed due to speculative attacks. The crisis spread to other Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The crisis was caused by excess investment in these countries, fueled by export growth, that was financed by foreign capital in US dollars. This left countries vulnerable when their currencies collapsed against the dollar. The crisis had severe economic and political impacts, including falling GDP, high inflation, and the resignation of President Suharto in Indonesia. Countries received IMF support and implemented reforms to stabilize their economies and recover over the following years.