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Role of IMF and World Bank Essay example

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Introduction

The world’s major international financial institutions represent paradoxical ideals in their quest to satisfy the needs of both developed and developing nations. These institutions are chartered with helping poor nations but are criticized for their neo-colonial policies. Member nations are all considered equal, but contributions make some more equal than others. Mostly, these organizations are managed by rich nations that usurp the autonomy of developing nations in the pursuit of free markets and economic reform.

This paper will examine the roles of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank with parallels to the Asian Development Bank and African Development Bank Group. It will include descriptions of these …show more content…

The IMF was first conceptualized in 1944 at the UN-sponsored Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Renowned economist John Maynard Keynes and Assistant Secretary to the U.S. Treasury, Harry Dexter White, are credited as “principal architects” of the organization that began financial operations in 1947. Along with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the World Bank, these institutions define the monetary policy shared by almost all countries with market economies.
Countries apply for membership in the IMF, then once approved, receives a quota to determine their voting weight, access to IMF financing and other provisions. Today, a primary mission of the IMF is to provide financial assistance to countries experiencing serious economic difficulties. Member states request assistance in the form of loans or management support in return for agreeing to enact economic reforms within their country.
The role of the three Bretton Woods institutions became controversial during the Cold War as policy makers allegedly supported unsavory governments that favored U.S. and European corporations. Additionally, IMF critics say the organization is apathetic to abuses in human rights abuses, labor rights and democracy, sparking the modern anti-globalization

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