Gilding the World Bank

Abstract

The world bank, ever a stern taskmaster when dealing with its third world clients, demands cuts in government spending, consumer subsidies, social programs and other "frills" that get in the way of debt payments to international creditors. countries that fail to meet economic targets set by the bank's "structural readjustment programs" are deemed economic pariahs and swiftly cut off from international financial markets. this article compares this attitude with that of the world bank at home. it discusses the salaries and other perks given employees of the bank.