This paper critiques the IMF’s capacity to influence its key members’ policies through its advice, and to give confidence to potential borrowers by offering opportune and meaningful financial assistance in case of trouble. It argues that IMF’s governance structure is inconsistent with its multilateral nature and is dysfunctional to its purposes. There is also an ideological bias in its policy advice that prevents the Fund from being responsive to citizens’ concerns and challenges posed by globalization. The ongoing reform process is tinkering on the margins and if not redressed will fail to bring additional credibility and effectiveness to the Fund.

This article was originally published in The Journal of International Economic Law, 1–18, 2007.
 
August 10, 2007.