New common framework for debt relief announced at G20 Leaders’ Summit maintains prominent role of IMF and fails to include World Bank debt relief.
Debt
IFI governance
Analysis
Development Committee communiqué analysis – Annual Meetings 2020
Analysis of the Development Committee communiqué published on 16 October from the 2020 World Bank and IMF virtual Annual Meetings.
Conditionality
Commentary
An IMF bailout for Lebanon can make things worse
Amidst multiple financial and economic crises, a classic IMF intervention in Lebanon could exacerbate inequalities and social tensions.
Finance
Analysis
Over optimistic IMF forecasts risk dire consequences for Covid-19 response
As G20 gears up to take critical decisions on international financial response to Covid-19, the consequences of overly rosy IMF forecasts are potentially more costly than ever.
Finance
Background
Covid-19 and debt: Going beyond debt suspension towards a systemic response to debt crises
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum 28 September Session at the IMF and World Bank 2020 Annual Meetings on Covid-19 and debt.
Finance
News
Argentina increases offer to bondholders after IMF claims “room for improvement”
Private creditors provided with IMF backing in Argentina negotiations as country enters into default.
Finance
Analysis
World Bank’s rating obsession will negate debt justice
The international financial system’s reliance upon credit ratings – usually based on dubious premises – needs urgent rethinking.
Finance
Analysis
Fracking’s false hope: Why fossil fuels won’t help to repay Argentina’s national debt
Argentina’s strategy to increase fossil fuel exports to ease debt burden ignores need for increased state investments and climate commitments.
Finance
Analysis
World Bank and IMF response to debt crisis undermines women’s rights
25 years after Beijing Declaration, austerity and privatisation still modus operandi of Bretton Woods Institutions at the cost of women's rights.
Finance
News
Why did the IMF fail to take pre-emptive measures in Argentina?
Effectiveness of IMF’s approach questioned, as Argentina undergoes technical default.
Featured briefings
14 December 2020
Gambling with our lives: Global emergencies expose consequences of decades of IMF and World Bank policies
Market-led policy approaches increasingly used to deal with both climate and health emergencies are failing to protect those most vulnerable.
10 December 2020
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2020
12 October 2020