The IMF and European leaders have gotten serious about Greece's debt, says CFR's Charles Kupchan. But the crisis also raises concerns about the eurozone's unity.
Rating agency S&P's decision to downgrade Greek debt to "junk" may lead to softened pre-conditions for an IMF-EU bailout and a swifter European response, says CFR's Marc Levinson.
Developed countries should embrace a stronger IMF while pressing for more equitable voting rights that would boost the institution's legitimacy, says former IMF board member Domenico Lombardi.
Analyst Edwin Truman says the IMF is gaining power but its influence will depend on its assertiveness with countries like the United States and China, as well as the pace of its own reforms.
The World Economic Outlook (WEO) presents the IMF staff's analysis and projections of economic developments at the global level, in major country groups (classified by region, stage of development, etc.), and in many individual countries. It focuses on major economic policy issues as well as on the analysis of economic developments and prospects. It is usually prepared twice a year, as documentation for meetings of the International Monetary and Financial Committee, and forms the main instrument of the IMF's global surveillance activities.
Despite early signs of a global economic recovery, CFR Steven Dunaway says it's too early to determine how lasting the rebound might be. "The world economy is not out of the woods yet," he says.
Speakers: Anne Krueger and Allan H. Meltzer Presider: Roger M. Kubarych
Watch experts discuss the future of the International Monetary Fund, ranging from its governance to its potential role in alleviating financial crises.
Speakers: Anne Krueger and Allan H. Meltzer Presider: Roger M. Kubarych
Listen to experts discuss the future of the International Monetary Fund, ranging from its governance to its potential role in alleviating financial crises.
Watch Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, for a British perspective on the global economy in light of the financial crisis.
Listen to Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, for a British perspective on the global economy in light of the financial crisis.
Brad Setser argues that the internal decisions countries make during and after a crisis--rather than their participation in international summits--will be the driving force to reform the international financial system.
Brad Setser argues that while national policy considerations dominate debates on macroeconomic policies, these debates need to take into account the global consequences of their policy choices.
Speaker: John P. Lipsky Presider: Richard H. Clarida
Listen to John P. Lipsky, first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), remark on the recent effects of the economy on IMF member countries and the IMF's reaction to the financial crisis.
Speaker: John P. Lipsky Presider: Richard H. Clarida
Watch John P. Lipsky, first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), remark on the recent effects of the economy on IMF member countries and the IMF's reaction to the financial crisis.
The Council on Foreign Relations' David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR's "think tank"—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting scholars and practitioners (called "fellows"). Their expertise covers the world's major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today's global agenda. Download the printable CFR Experts Guide.
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
Two experts argue that despite myriad development strategies, only one can succeed in alleviating poverty in India: the overall growth of the country's economy. More