Despite claiming to no longer support austerity, the IMF has imposed damaging cutbacks on the people of Tunisia as part of its loan conditionality, leading to widespread discontent on Tunisian streets.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Accountability
Analysis
The IMF in insecure fragile states: why being absent should no longer be an option
While there is scope to improve IMF operations in all fragile states, ahead of the forthcoming publication of the IMF IEO review of IMF work in fragile states, there is one fundamental change it must make to transform its effectiveness in fragile states: wherever it is possible, it must be present. No country should be left out.
Knowledge
Background
Recommended resources on the World Bank and IMF: 2017
The Bretton Woods Project's selection of the best books, reports and other resources on the World Bank and IMF from 2017.
IFI governance
Analysis
The Bank and IMF in 2017: Year in Review
While the Fund and Bank defended trade and globalisation, their rhetoric focused on the perils of inequality and need for inclusive growth
Knowledge
Analysis
After 15 years, World Bank’s Doing Business Report still missing the mark
CSOs argue DBR’s deregulation policies do not lower income inequality or promote inclusive economic growth, instead incentivising tax competition and undermining inclusive development.
IFI governance
Commentary
Bank and Fun(d)speak of the year 2017
Every year the Bretton Woods Project highlights some of the most farcical remarks of Fund and World Bank staff.
Conditionality
News
New IMF conditionality database launched
Team of UK academics launch new, freely available IMF conditionality database.
Rights
News
CSOs express concern about IMF’s “strongly divergent” social protection approach
Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors submits letter to the IMF expressing concerns about impacts of Fund's policies on social protection.
Rights
Analysis
Civil society still waiting for ‘IMF Spring’ to blossom
Civil society was out in full force during annual meetings challenging the IMF’s claims that it is reducing economic and gender inequality.
Knowledge
Analysis
Chinese growth’s contribution to poverty reduction challenges World Bank and IMF neoliberal policies
CEPR report found that two-thirds of extreme poverty during past 25 years took place in China, which did not follow World Bank and IMF neoliberal policies.
Private Sector
News
CSOs call on World Bank to halt its aggressive support of PPPs
152 CSOs call demand World Bank halt its aggressive support of PPPs, publicaly recognise their significant risks.
Knowledge
Background
Call for critical resources on World Bank and IMF for 2017
Request for critical IMF and World Bank resources of 2017.
Featured briefings
6 April 2022
The Bretton Woods Observer: Spring 2022
8 December 2021
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2021
8 November 2021
IMF surveillance and climate change transition risks
New briefing by ActionAid USA and the Bretton Woods Project highlights research showing that IMF policy advice has undermined a just energy transition since the Paris Agreement was signed.