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.

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.

As a result of the Brexit vote to leave the European Union, the United Kingdom is likely to see another Scottish independence referendum in its future.

CFR President Richard N. Haass, who worked on previous presidential transitions, says that given the current world situation, he believes the first priority for President-elect Barack Obama lies in "…

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.