Canada The International Financial Institutions And The Debt Problem Of Developing Countries

The financial crisis that erupted in 2008 severely affected the global economy, plunging most countries into a recession with aftershocks still being felt today. Canada was able to weather the crisis well in comparison to many euro-zone countries and the United States, but it did not escape unscathed. Two major themes are explored in this volume: Canada’s role in the international financial system and the Canadian policy response to the global financial crisis. These themes are examined in light of the shift from the classical gold standard to Bretton Woods to the “non-system” of late, the finance-trade crossover agenda, the changing role of central banks, the European Monetary Union, developing countries and a post-financial crisis global political economy. What becomes clear in this volume is that Canada plays a powerful role, which belies its size, in the development of the financial system and its regulation at an international level. Crisis and Reform: Canada and the International Financial System — the 28th volume of the influential Canada Among Nations series — examines the global financial crisis through Canada’s historical and current role in the international financial system. Canada has been held up as a shining example of good governance during the financial crisis, and its prominent role within international financial institutions should grow as Canada continues as a leading player in the global financial system.

The global economy has experienced four waves of rapid debt accumulation over the past 50 years. The first three debt waves ended with financial crises in many emerging market and developing economies. During the current wave, which started in 2010, the increase in debt in these economies has already been larger, faster, and broader-based than in the previous three waves. Current low interest rates mitigate some of the risks associated with high debt. However, emerging market and developing economies are also confronted by weak growth prospects, mounting vulnerabilities, and elevated global risks. A menu of policy options is available to reduce the likelihood that the current debt wave will end in crisis and, if crises do take place, will alleviate their impact.

"Over the past 25 years, significant levels of public debt and external finance are more likely to have enhanced macroeconomic vulnerability than economic growth in developing countries. This applies not just to countries with a history of high inflation and past default, but also to those in East Asia, with a long tradition of prudent macroeconomic policies and rapid growth. The authors examine why with the help of a conceptual framework drawn from the growth, capital flows, and crisis literature for developing countries with access to the international capital markets (market access countries or MACs). They find that, while the chances of another generalized debt crisis have receded since the turbulence of the late 1990s, sovereign debt is indeed constraining growth in MACs, especially those with debt sustainability problems ... " -- Cover verso.