Trilemma of the World Economy was introduced by Dani Rodrik in order to explain conflicting nature of the existing democratic consensus between the populous and the state in the highly integrated...Show moreTrilemma of the World Economy was introduced by Dani Rodrik in order to explain conflicting nature of the existing democratic consensus between the populous and the state in the highly integrated economic environments such as the European Union. The same theoretical outlook was applied into analysis of Central and Eastern European States socioeconomic conditions amidst accession into Eurozone to showcase how European Monetary Integration works against CEE states ability to 'catch up' with the West. Qualitative Comparative Analysis will explain to what extent the knowledge of the above mentioned pattern discouraged Poland and Hungary to join the EMU.Show less
In recent years the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has evidenced an increased attention to inequality, directly responding to concerns about adverse impacts of IMF fiscal consolidation policies....Show moreIn recent years the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has evidenced an increased attention to inequality, directly responding to concerns about adverse impacts of IMF fiscal consolidation policies. This thesis explores whether and to what extent the increased attention to inequality observed in the agency’s public presentation has been accompanied by substantive changes in its policies. It does so through an exploration of continuity and change in the IMF’s operations in Argentina. With its recent history of recurrent fiscal crises and turbulent politics, Argentina is a particularly interesting context in which to explore continuity and change in the IMF’s policy and practices. The thesis finds that while the IMF’s increased attention in equality is indeed reflected in its policies, the changes are modest when compared to earlier loan arrangements and that a gap remains between the agency’s rhetorical statements on inequality and the practical implications of its policies. In so doing, the thesis contributes to scholarship on the IMF and the political economy of contemporary Argentina.Show less
