This paper looks at the different policy packages adopted by countries during past financial and economic crises in an attempt to draw lessons for the 2008 crisis. Though it is important to note that the current crisis is unique both in its causes and global scope, its social impact will likely...

This article tries to understand today’s debates on PSP in water supply from a historical perspective. It presents the history of PSP in the water supply. It then presents the current situation of the water debate and explains how it is shaped by international organisations. In the final...

Small developing countries are increasingly marginalized in the global system, especially in the context of global trading. There is a fascination for "bigness" and the global system exerts pressure, at times challenging the very existence of smaller countries. However, there are several small...

Using time series data, the paper analyses the economic structure of island countries. The results are illustrated using five case studies. It is demonstrated that countries pursuing strategies based on service industries or exports of light manufactures have been more successful in attaining...

Contrary to widely held belief, small island countries have many lessons to offer to other countries and the world community in terms of their development strategies. This article provides evidence that small island countries are experts at breaking and distorting global trade rules without...

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyze the social development situation in the Pacific Island countries (PICs). It also aims to present the various social and economic policies that are directly linked to improving social indicators. Design/methodology/approach - The paper draws on...

This article investigates the link between social security spending and financial crises. In doing so, the article answers two questions: what are the trends in social security spending in the aftermath of a financial crisis, and what factors can possibly explain these changes? The article shows...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the social development situation in the Pacific Island countries (PICs). It also aims to present the various social and economic policies that are directly linked to improving social indicators. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws...

Privatisation of public infrastructure has been the mantra of many development agencies since the late 1980s. Water supply is no exception, and various forms of private sector participation (PSP) have been tried in the water and sanitation sector. This article examines the results of these...