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Deconstructing delays in sovereign debt restructuring

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  • David Benjamin
  • Mark L J Wright

Abstract

Negotiations to restructure sovereign debt are time consuming, taking almost a decade on average to resolve. In this paper, we analyse a class of widely used complete information models of delays in sovereign debt restructuring and show that, despite superficial similarities, there are major differences across models in the driving force for equilibrium delay, the circumstances in which delay occurs and the efficiency of the debt restructuring process. We focus on three key assumptions. First, if delay has a permanent effect on economic activity in the defaulting country, equilibrium delay often occurs; this delay can sometimes be socially efficient. Second, prohibiting debt issuance as part of a settlement makes delay less likely to occur in equilibrium. Third, when debt issuance is not fully state contingent, delay can arise because of the risk that the sovereign will default on any debt issued as part of the settlement.

Suggested Citation

  • David Benjamin & Mark L J Wright, 2019. "Deconstructing delays in sovereign debt restructuring," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 71(2), pages 382-404.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxecpp:v:71:y:2019:i:2:p:382-404.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oep/gpy042
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    1. Michael Tomz & Mark L. J. Wright, 2007. "Do Countries Default in "Bad Times" ?," Journal of the European Economic Association, MIT Press, vol. 5(2-3), pages 352-360, 04-05.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elard, Ilaf, 2020. "Three-player sovereign debt negotiations," International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 217-240.
    2. Chao Ma & Hao Zhang & Hongbiao Zhao, 2023. "Securitization of assets with payment delay risk: A financial innovation in the real estate market," Journal of Futures Markets, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(4), pages 480-515, April.
    3. Howard Haughton & Jodie Keane, 2021. "Alleviating debt distress and advancing the sustainable development goals," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(3), pages 528-536, May.
    4. Sayantan Ghosal & Marcus Miller, 2019. "Introduction to the special issue on sovereign debt restructuring," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 71(2), pages 309-319.
    5. Vladimir V. Zemskov & Valeriy I. Prasolov & Nikolai G. Sinyavsky & Oksana V. Konovalova & Lyudmila Kh. Botasheva, 2020. "Risks of private and sovereign debt as factors affecting the economic security of the state," RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA', FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 0(2 suppl.), pages 235-249.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • F34 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Lending and Debt Problems
    • H63 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt

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