The 1990s have witnessed several financial crises, of which the East Asia and Mexico tequila crises are perhaps the most well-known. What impact have these crises had on labor markets, household incomes, and poverty? Total employment fell by much less than production declines and even increased...

There has been much debate recently about the role of international development institutions, such as the World Bank in middle-income countries. Some observers have suggested that middle-income countries have reached a stage in their economic development that calls into question the rationale...

Some observers have questioned the rationale for continued engagement by international development institutions in middle-income countries. But these countries face development challenges calling for continued partnership with the international development community. Moreover, partnership with...

Many people have questioned whether the world's poor share in economic growth. This note synthesizes the empirical evidence. The data show that economic growth typically reduces poverty and can usually be deemed pro-poor. But there is wide divergence across countries. In some cases the poor have...