Publications

This publication assesses the claim that microfinance is a tool for the empowerment of women in developing countries. In order to do so, the authors examine whether access to an individually-held comm...chevron_right

This paper introduces the linear generalized method of moments (GMM). The Arellano-Bond and Arellano-Bover/Blundell-Bond GMM estimators are increasingly popular, which are both general estimators desi...chevron_right

This paper discusses an approach to scaling up foreign aid to meet the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) that is explicitly aimed at strengthening local capacity and institutions, including in fragile...chevron_right

This article is concerned with the claim of microfinance institutions that increased interest rates do not reduce the poor’s access to credit and increases the micro lenders profitability. The author ...chevron_right

This publication assesses the claim that group liability improves repayment rates and lowers transaction costs, thereby improving the lender’s overall profitability and the poor’s access to financial ...chevron_right

This publication assesses the strengths and limitations of diamond industry efforts, such as the Kimberly Process, to break the deadly link between diamonds and conflict. The authors argue that “confl...chevron_right

Diamonds, long seen as symbols of love and prosperity, are now blamed for war and corruption in some of the poorest places on earth. The tragedy of blood diamonds, thrust onto the international agenda...chevron_right

This note explores which countries are most likely to be selected for Fiscal Year 2007 eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Account. The authors also discuss key issues the Board will face this ye...chevron_right

This study measures the marginal impact of adding business training to a Peruvian group lending program for female microentrepreneurs. The authors find that the treatment led to improved business know...chevron_right

This paper analyzes microfinance institutions (MFIs) as businesses, asking how some MFIs succeed in reducing and covering costs, earning returns, attracting capital and scaling up. Based on a survey o...chevron_right

This paper describes an index of donor performance that takes the standard quantity measure as a starting point. The Commitment to Development Index of the Center for Global Development rates 21 rich ...chevron_right

This publication presents some of the basic facts about China’s Export-Import Bank (ExIm) and analyzes how the Bank, by boosting investment as well as enhancing Chinese influence abroad, has become a ...chevron_right

The rise of China's economic and political might has been felt especially strongly in Africa. China has long been actively engaged on the continent, beginning with colonial-era support for nationalist...chevron_right

This paper defines the major tasks that the executive director (ED) of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria should primarily focus on and provides specific recommendations for actio...chevron_right

This paper addresses artificial states, which are characterized by political borders that do not coincide with a division of nationalities desired by the people on the ground. The authors propose and ...chevron_right