As the inability of Bank and Fund to adapt their policies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic becomes more evident, hope turns to the UN system and a radical restructure of the global international financial architecture.
WB/IMF roles
Finance
Analysis
The IMF and World Bank-led Covid-19 recovery: ‘Building back better’ or locking in broken policies?
Early evidence suggests IMF programmes are maintaining long-term fiscal consolidation targets, while World Bank further continues Maximizing Finance for Development narrative amidst Covid-19 crisis.
Rights
Analysis
Fears of lawsuits at World Bank’s tribunal constrain efforts to fight pandemic
Covid-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for ICSID and wider ISDS reforms as cases threaten to undermine state efforts to protect public health.
Finance
Analysis
Bretton Woods at 75
BWP publishes essay series reflecting on the legacy of 75 years of IMF and World Bank policies and power.
Finance
News
Failure to lend to Venezuela and Iran once again raises questions around IMF’s political neutrality
IMF fails to respond to loan requests from Iran and Venezula as they struggle to respond to increasing Covid-19 cases and deaths.
WB/IMF roles
Background
What are the main criticisms of the World Bank and the IMF?
The IMF and World Bank continue to be amongst the most relevant and significant powerful norm-setters, convenors, knowledge-holders and influencers of the international development and financial landscape. This Inside the Institutions sets-out some of the most common criticisms of the World Bank and IMF under three broad lenses: democratic governance, human rights and the environment.
Finance
News
Inequality crisis worsens as World Bank and IMF persist with failed policies
Two new CSO reports document inadequate response by states, the IMF and World Bank.
IFI governance
Analysis
Great Expectations a year on: IMF moving the needle on inequality but not yet the gear
One year after Oxfam study, IMF making progress on inequality agenda but still needs a fundamental shift
Finance
News
Fight Inequality Alliance prepares for Annual Meetings in Bali
Fight Inequality Alliance meets in Brazil to plan action against current shocking levels of inequality and prepare for World Bank and IMF October Annual meetings in Bali, Indonesia.
Conditionality
Analysis
World Bank report on fiscal adjustment in Brazil: questionable analysis; unfair policies
The World Bank’s report on public spending in Brazil raises serious questions about the methodology used and relevance of the report’s focus on fiscal consolidation in light of its own admission that the deterioration of Brazil’s fiscal situation is due principally to the recession.
