International Financial Institutions and Their Challenges

Since the recent international crises, the role and significance of international financial institutions (IFI) have been challenged. Some have argued that global financial institutions are inadequate and inefficient in performing their missions, and may be replaced by modern institutions with inclusive governance and a goal-focused approach. International Financial Institutions and Their Challenges analyzes the claimed purposes of IFIs and their failures, and proposes solutions for the future. This comprehensive account is the first book of its kind to give readers an exhaustive overview of key IFI's from the International Monetary Fund to the Islamic Development Bank. By encouraging readers to think outside the box, Lessambo enhances the current and future debates on IFIs. The book brings readers to the real challenges of international finance, and appeals to scholars in economics, finance, international studies, government studies, law, and political science, as well as professionals in finance, development experts, and employees at NGOs.

"Lessambo has delved deeply into archival sources and current literature to compile a unique and comprehensive primer on how the structure of the International Monetary Fund, and of regional development banks around the globe, are shaped by their institutional history and local politics. A succinct writing style makes for an easy and fast read. This book is an efficient and effective way to understand how particular development banks carry out their mission to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth. This book is a 'must read' for anyone wanting to objectively assess the re-development of China as it provides essential understanding of how the Western notion of economic efficiency shapes the fate of developing countries." - Nicos A. Scordis, Professor and John R. Cox/ACE Limited Chair in Risk and Insurance, St. John's University, USA

"The efficiency of their action is controversial; some say it is marginal, others pretend they play a crucial role, all we know is that they have been established at a time much different from ours. In this remarkable book, Lessambo not only paints a vivid picture of our International Financial Institutions, but also provides realistic reforms moving forward. This book could well be the starting point of an international financial governance revolution or at least, a classic of International Finance for both practitioners and scholars." - Brice Thionnet, Managing Director, Union Bancaire Privée, Switzerland

"Lessambohas produced a highly readable book on the important topic of Financial Institutions and Their Challenges. As the impacts of the 2008 financial crisis continue to be felt, making sense of the role of financial institutions remains key. This book will serve as an excellent introduction." - Jean-Marc Coicaud, Professor and Director of the Division of Global Affairs, Rutgers University, USA; Global Ethics Fellow, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, USA

Autorentext

Felix I. Lessambo is Adjunct Associate Professor at the Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John's University, USA. He practiced in international tax and alternative investment management groups where he structured and advised on hedge funds and private equity cross-border transactions. He is the author of several books in finance, including The International Banking System and The International Corporate Governance System.

Inhalt

PART I: THE BRETTON WOODS AND AFFILIATES INSTITUTIONS

1. The International Financial Institutions: Architecture, Flaws, and Legitimacy
2. The International Monetary Fund
3. The World Bank
4. The International Finance Corporation
5. The International Development Association
6. The International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes
7. The Mutual Investment Guarantee Agency
8. The Bank for International Settlement
   PART II: THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS
9. The Inter-American Development Bank
10. The European Development Bank
11. The Council of Europe Development Bank
12. The Asian Development Bank
13. The African Development Bank
14. The Latin America Development Bank
15. The Caribbean Development Bank

16. The Islamic Development Bank

17. Soon to Come: The New Development Bank
    PART III: THE INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT BANKS
18. The European Investment Bank
19. The Nordic Investment Bank