This paper examines the factors affecting the persistence of fiscal consolidation in 25 emerging market countries during 1980-2001. It proposes a new approach for defining spells of fiscal consolidation. The results indicate that the probability of ending a fiscal adjustment is affected by the...

This paper examines the revenue response to inflows of foreign aid in 107 countries during the period 1970-2000. In particular, it investigates whether the impact of aid on the revenue effort depends on the composition of aid (grants vis-agrave;-vis loans). The results indicate that while...

The paper examines the cyclical properties of food aid with respect to food availability in recipient countries, with a view to assessing its impact on consumption in some 150 developing countries and transition economies, covering 1970 to 2000. The results show that global food aid has been...

This paper assesses changes in the size and scope of government in 24 transition economies. While these governments have reduced public expenditures in relation to GDP, and public employment as a share of population, some indicators suggest that the size remains high (eg, rising indebtedness, a...