The World Bank of the Future

Abstract

This paper argues that the prima facie evidence suggests that the World Bank is not particularly effective either in dealing with countries that default or in promoting countries, projects and ideas that are likely to do well. We argue that this is probably related to the fact that the Bank does not make adequate use of scientific evidence in its decision-making and suggest ways to improve matters.

Keywords: World Bank, Aid Effectiveness, Multi-lateral Lending

JEL Classification: O19, F33, F35