"Argues that incoherent social programs significantly contribute to poverty and little growth. Proposes converting the existing social security system into universal social entitlements. Advocates eliminating wage-based social security contributions and raising consumption taxes on higher-income...

"Case study of Progresa-Oportunidades that describes the origins, objectives, and institutional design and scope of Progresa; provides a broad assessment of results to date; discusses the main challenges faced by the program in the future; and makes some suggestions for poverty programs drawn from...

"Assesses a new 'tournament' approach promising improvement on the performance of conventional foreign aid methods, where beneficiary groups compete to achieve the best implementation of a particular project. Evaluates performances, sustainability, time frames, and costs of recent applications....