Internet Studies

What are the IFI Info Briefs?

The Bank Information Center is pleased to announce its series of IFI INFO BRIEFS—short primers on key topics of concern at the international financial institutions (IFIs). IFIs such as the IMF and World Bank exercise considerable influence in determining the economic, social, and environmental policies of many of the countries that depend on IFI resources. They are important pillars of global economic (and often political) governance.

With US audiences in mind, the IFI INFO BRIEFS provide information on the basic functions and debates surrounding the IFIs. The series also sheds light on the critical role of the United States in pursuing its policies through and determining outcomes at the IFIs. The series highlights the need for stronger multilateral approaches to global issues and governance of the international system.

Released throughout the fall of 2005, the IFI INFO BRIEFS will be distributed electronically on BIC’s website, through various listservs, and with the help of individual and organizational partners. If you’re interested in receiving future issues, please contact us at info@bicusa.org.

Upcoming issues will focus on debt, privatization, globalization, trade, environment, and more.

The series has been supported by the Connect US initiative.

IFI Info Brief Issue 1: Who Rules the World Bank?

Excerpt: One of the world’s premier multilateral institutions – the World Bank – has 184 member countries, but only one, the United States, selects its President. In March 2005, the Bush Administration anointed Paul Wolfowitz – architect of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq and proponent of US preeminence – to this critical post. Many countries and civil society organizations look to the US to work collaboratively to fight global poverty. By jealously guarding its prerogative and elevating Mr. Wolfowitz to this influential position, the US government has reinforced the perception that it views the World Bank primarily as a foreign policy tool to underwrite US geopolitical and economic interests. Print or download the entire piece...