For richer For Poorer? : G8 Proposals for IMF Reform

This paper focuses on recent statements made by the Bush Administration, particularly as these relate to the proposals put forward in the Meltzer report, and other reform proposals being advanced by the G8 in relation to the role of the IMF. Most official G8 statements have focused on its role in preventing and managing finacial crisis. The first part of the paper examines this role. There has been less discussion about the IMF programmes in the poorest countries in September 1999. Whether or not this is an appropriate role for the IMF is discussed in part 2.