The first study published by the Institute for the new Center for Global Development, founded in November of 2001. The authors examine the economics of foreign debt and make recommendations for expanding and improving the International Monetary Fund and World Bank endorsed HIPC (heavily indebted poor country) initiative. They argue that the current initiative perversely focuses on improving the performance of recipient countries, failing to address the political and bureaucratic incentives that led donors and creditors to provide unmanageable loans. They recommend expanding debt reduction if debt servicing exceeds two percent of a country's GNP, expanding eligibility for the HIPC Initiative to all low-income countries, and the creation of ten years insurance against being pushed into unsustainability by factors beyond their control. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
