Deadly Consequences: When IMF Theory Becomes Cold Reality in a Poor Country

This morning, on the eve of the joint World Bank/IMF meetings in Washington, The Democracy Center formally releases our report, Deadly Consequences the story of the International Monetary Fund and Bolivia's Febrero Negro. The book is not just the story of two tragic days in La Paz, but also of the global economic system that set that violence in motion. It traces a path that begins on the desks of economists at the IMF in Washington and ends with the squeezing of the poor beyond their tolerance and, finally, with 34 people dead.

The report is based on interviews with Bolivia's current President and senior government advisors, with IMF officials, with economists of varying points of view, with Bolivian human rights leaders, participants in the events on the ground, and with the families of victims. It also draws on dozens of original documents, ranging from signed agreements between the IMF and Bolivia, to Bolivian budget analyses, to heart-wrenching personal testimonies.

I hope that all our readers will read the book and pass word of it along as far and wide as possible. It is a very important story.

Deadly Consequences can be viewed in full for free, or purchased as the book by clicking here.


CONTENTS:

Introduction

Act One: The International Monetary Fund and the Politics of Economic Belt-Tightening

Act Two: The IMF in Bolivia, a Nation Struggles to Meet Economic Demands Issued From Abroad

Act Three: Two Bloody Days in February

Epilogue

Conclusion: Lessons Learned in Blood and Fire