The paper analyzes whether the SDR system generates permanent resource transfers—i.e., transfers of resources that do not involve equivalent quid pro quos. It is argued that SDR allocation only gives rise to permanent resource transfers if the SDR interest rate is uncompetitive or if holding SDRs is perceived to be risky, and that the use of SDRs gives rise to permanent resource transfers only if the SDR interest rate is uncompetitive. These conclusions are reconciled with the fact that SDR allocation can provide reserves to many countries at terms more favorable than the costs of borrowing or earning reserves.

It considers the changing roles and influences of the U.S.

In this book the author investigates the relationship between the international monetary system and the less developed countries of the world. In the period since 1945 growing concern has been shown over the international monetary problems which LDCs face, and since 1971 LDCs have been significant participants in the reform of the international monetary system. After tracing the evolution of the relationship between LDCs and the International Monetary Fund, the book goes on to examine, with full reference to the available empirical evidence, the major causes and consequences of LDCs' international monetary problems. Topics covered include: export instability; the terms of trade; the demand for reserves and reserve adequacy; and adjustment difficulties. A thorough examination is then made of the ways in which financial assistance has been provided to LDCs through the IMF and the Eurocurrency market. Finally, certain key policy issues are discussed: the commodity problem; the link between the creation of international liquidity and the provision of development aid; and exchange rate policy. Each chapter is followed by an extensive bibliography which is designed to help the reader to pursue further any topic of particular interest. The presentation, which is non-mathematical, is in the form of a textbook. The issues are surveyed, the main arguments discussed, and the available empirical evidence presented. It is revealed, however, that on many issues it is at present difficult to draw firm conclusions. The book will be of interest to students of international, monetary, and development economics.

This book focuses on the international financial problems of developing countries and the ways in which international financial policy might be used to alleviate them. A strong theme that emerges is that developing countries cannot be treated as a homogenous group from the viewpoint of their international financial problems. At the very least, a distinction needs to be drawn between the newly industrialising countries of Latin America and South-east Asia and the low income countries of Africa and Asia.

The determinants of current account imbalances under floating exchange rates are analyzed. The analysis provides a framework within which the sources of. and the remedies for, the current account imbalances between the United States, Japan, and the Federal Republic of Germany can be discussed. The effects of various government policies are emphasized, in particular the differences between expenditure-changing and expenditure-switching policies. Short-run and long-run considerations are investigated, as well as the role played by expectations and price-level dynamics.