The aggravation of global environmental problems requires appropriate environmental regulation at the global level according to the scale of the main environmental problems. The contemporary institutional system of environmental governance is not politically formed and is lagging behind the...

The aggravation of global environmental problems requires appropriate environmental regulation at the global level according to the scale of the main environmental problems. The contemporary institutional system of environmental governance is not politically formed and is lagging behind the...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that following an extended boom led by strong domestic demand, the slowdown in the United States has largely reflected a drag from residential investment as the housing market has weakened substantially. Unexpected weakness in business investment and...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation underlies that in 2004, Libya’s macroeconomic performance was satisfactory, owing mainly to higher oil prices and increased oil output. Real GDP grew 4½ percent while consumer prices declined. The favorable developments in the oil market contributed to...

The term "eco-efficiency" describes business activities that create economic value while reducing ecological impact and resource use. This book outlines the principles of eco-efficiency and presents case studies of their application from a number of international companies, including 3M and the...

A country's regulatory regime is a major determinant of the ability to realize the benefits of various macroeconomic efforts and initiatives, including trade agreements. Intrinsic and historical differences between goods and services sectors indicate that a country's regulatory infrastructure...

This paper lays out a comparative framework for assessing the potential, limitations and challenges of a variety of emerging institutional innovations in globalized regulation. The framework highlights two dimensions of effectiveness -- the comprehensiveness of coverage, and the credibility of...

As in other sectors, competition in finance matters for allocative, productive and dynamic efficiency. Theory suggests, however, that unfettered competition is not first best given the special features of finance. I review these analytics and describe how to assess the degree of competition in...

Regional trade arrangements (RTAs) in Africa have been ineffective in promoting trade and foreign direct investment. Relatively high external trade barriers and low resource complementarity between member countries limit both intra- and extraregional trade. Small market size, poor transport...