The IMF and the Politics of Financial Globalization

The Asian crisis triggered ongoing controversy over the IMF's role in a 'new international financial architecture'. This book argues for a political approach to crisis and reform, placing current debates in the context of the politics of financial regulation since Bretton Woods. It explores links between domestic political controversy over IMF policy in Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia and the United States and the broader politics of IMF decision-making. It argues that, unless political arrangements are reformed, the IMF will face further political challenges.

'...an impressive study of how and why the role of the IMF has changed from one of enabling countries to stay in the global financial system to one that is aimed specifically at enhancing market-driven systems both globally and within countries... a highly thoughtful study that draws analysis of the IMF into larger questions of power and change.' - Richard Robison, Political Studies Review

Autorentext
BEN THIRKELL-WHITE is Lecturer in International Relations at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK. His teaching and research interests include global governance, the international political economy of finance, and the political economy of the Southeast Asian region. He is currently working on a book on global economic governance.

Klappentext

The Asian crisis triggered ongoing controversy over the IMF's role in a 'new international financial architecture'. This book argues for a political approach to crisis and reform, placing current debates in the context of the politics of financial regulation since Bretton Woods. It explores links between domestic political controversy over IMF policy in Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia and the United States and the broader politics of IMF decision-making. It argues that, unless political arrangements are reformed, the IMF will face further political challenges.

Inhalt
Acknowledgements Table of Figures Abbreviations Introduction PART I: IMF LEGITIMACY: PRINCIPLES AND INSTITUTIONS An Evolving IMF PART II: THE ASIAN CRISIS AND CASE STUDIES South Korea Indonesia Malaysia The United States PART III: FROM CRISIS TO A NEW ARCHITECTURE? Conclusions Bibliography