"Presents research from experts in academia and the financial industry on financial instruments and new financial institutions, contrasting developments in the United States and Japan. Highlights innovative ways in which Japanese financiers and government officials have learned from the United...

"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...