The purpose of budget rules can be explored from the perspective of the expected results, obtained by their enforcement. On one hand, they are meant to improve or at least maintain certain levels of the budgetary deficit and public debt. On the other hand, they can help or limit the economic...

Table of Contents -- Preface -- List of Abbreviations -- 1. Introduction and Overview -- Part I: From Economic Stabilization to Budget Stabilization: Theory and Tools -- 2. From Economic Stabilization to Budget Stabilization -- 3. Subnational Government Tools for Budget Stabilization -- Part II:...

"A thorough investigation of the current combination of austerity and extravagance that characterizes government spending and central bank monetary policy. At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. While, to this day, welfare...

Debt in service of the state -- States and the limits of borrowing -- Democratization and globalization -- Caveat emptor -- Managing problem debts -- Successful consolidation -- Warfare to welfare -- Cycles of debt -- Oil and water -- Missed opportunities -- Debt to the rescue -- COVID-19.