The present IMF leadership 'contest' makes a mockery of the institution's multilateral character and further diminishes its legitimacy.
Leadership
IFI governance
Analysis
Here we go again: Surprise IMF leadership change litmus test for its legitimacy
Lagarde resignation kicks-off another leadership race overshadowed by gentleman’s agreement.
IFI governance
Analysis
The Bretton Woods Institutions and the second crisis of multilateralism
At 75, the World Bank and IMF face a crisis of multilateralism in no small part of their own making as failed economic policies have resulted in skepticism of the international order they helped to create.
IFI governance
Analysis
World Bank president selection: 'Gentleman's agreement' alive and well
World Bank's board fails to live up to commitments to open, transparent and merit-based selection process for Bank president.
IFI governance
Background
What is the ‘gentleman’s agreement’?
Leadership of the IMF and World Bank has been guided by a historical 'gentleman's agreement' between Europe and the United States. What does this agreement entail? And how could it be reformed?
IFI governance
News
World Bank appoints Independent Evaluation Group Director and Inspection Panel member
World Bank appoints Alison Evans as new IEG Director General and Ramanie Kunanayagam as Inspection Panel member
IFI governance
Commentary
Bank and Fun(d) speak of the year: 12 days of Christmas – an ode to the World Bank & IMF’s 2018
At the end of every year, the Bretton Woods Project highlights some of the most farcical remarks of Fund and World Bank staff. This time, it’s set to music.
IFI governance
News
IMF appoints Gita Gopinath as its first female chief economist
IMF's new chief economist views on exchange rates considered unorthodox
IFI governance
News
World Bank announces two new appointments
Pinelopi Goldberg joins as the Bank’s chief economist and Imrana Jalal as the new chairperson of the Inspection Panel
IFI governance
News
World Bank appoints Georgieva as CEO of IBRD and IDA
In October, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim announced the appointment of Kristalina Georgieva as chief executive officer of IBRD and IDA.
Featured briefings
12 December 2019
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2019
12 December 2019
Ease of Doing Business – what does it conceal?
As India has risen in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings, it has seen other key development indicators slip.
18 November 2019
Keeping the IMF accountable to women's rights and gender equality at the national level
New IMF gender guidance opportunity for civil society to keep its staff to account.