Beyond Meltzer

In March 2000, the US Congressional Committee set up to examine reform of the multilateral isntitutions, led by Allan Meltzer, presented its recommendations. The report proposes extensive reforms to these institutions which would completely change their nature and purpose, and it has renewed fears that the reform debate will be skewed towards right wing interests.
This briefing is an initial response to the Meltzer report and debates about how to reform the IMF and World Bank. It aims to guide NGO people, journalists, officials and researchers as to what the report says and help them think through some of the implications.
It critiques some of the report's recommendations without trying to outline a comprehensive alternative reform agenda, or discuss the desirabililty and achievability of abolishing the organisations.