Core Insights - The article discusses the dramatic phenomenon of national bankruptcy, emphasizing that it is not an isolated event but rather a result of cumulative factors over a period of 10 to 20 years [2][27]. Group 1: Reasons for National Bankruptcy - The first reason is the long-term accumulation of debt exceeding economic growth capacity, often occurring during prosperous times when confidence leads to increased borrowing [3][5]. - The second reason is the private sector experiencing defaults first, forcing the government to step in and ultimately dragging the nation down [12][15]. - The third reason is the loss of confidence in the debt market, leading to a sudden spike in interest rates that makes borrowing unaffordable [16][18]. - The fourth reason is the depletion of foreign reserves combined with a currency crisis, which can rapidly escalate from financial to economic crises [19][22]. - The fifth reason is the central bank being forced to print money excessively, leading to a collapse in currency credibility [23][26]. Group 2: Key Factors in Avoiding Bankruptcy - The first key factor is maintaining fiscal discipline to ensure that debt growth is lower than economic growth, exemplified by Singapore's approach of consistently running budget surpluses [34][37]. - The second key factor is maintaining sufficient foreign exchange reserves to ensure that short-term debt never exceeds reserves, as demonstrated by South Korea's post-crisis strategy [38][40]. - The third key factor is ensuring the independence of the central bank to prevent short-term political pressures from influencing monetary policy, as illustrated by the U.S. experience in the 1980s [41]. Group 3: Conclusion - Understanding the cyclical nature of national bankruptcy is crucial for grasping the essence of economic operations, with successful nations often maintaining vigilance and structural safety principles during prosperous times [42].