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Pitfalls of debt reduction: a counterfactual case study of Zambia during the early 1990s

Author

Listed:
  • James Copestake

    (Department of Economics and International Development, University of Bath, UK)

  • Phillip Weston

    (Department of Economics and International Development, University of Bath, UK)

Abstract

Is debt reduction a gift to future generations? The answer depends upon how indebted governments use the extra room for manoeuvre it confers upon them. The paper explores this issue through a historical counterfactual case study. In 1991 a new Zambian government was democratically elected on a reform platform that corresponded closely to donor|creditor prescriptions. The paper casts doubt on whether more substantial debt reduction at that time would have improved long-term prospects for the Zambian economy, increased public health and education spending, or strengthened the government's political accountability. This suggests, in turn, that it would probably have done little to improve prospects for future generations of Zambians. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • James Copestake & Phillip Weston, 2000. "Pitfalls of debt reduction: a counterfactual case study of Zambia during the early 1990s," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 12(4), pages 585-600.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:12:y:2000:i:4:p:585-600
    DOI: 10.1002/1099-1328(200005)12:4<585::AID-JID693>3.0.CO;2-J
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. William R. Cline, 1995. "International Debt Reexamined," Peterson Institute Press: All Books, Peterson Institute for International Economics, number 46, January.
    2. Bates, Robert H & Collier, Paul, 1995. "The Politics and Economics of Policy Reform in Zambia," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 4(1), pages 115-143, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thurlow, James & Wobst, Peter, 2004. "The road to pro-poor growth in Zambia: past lessons and future challenges," DSGD discussion papers 16, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Saungweme Talknice & Odhiambo Nicholas M., 2018. "An Analysis of Public Debt Servicing in Zambia: Trends, Reforms and Challenges," Croatian International Relations Review, Sciendo, vol. 24(81), pages 113-136, May.

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