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The Mutualisation of Sovereign Debt: Comparing the American Past and the European Present

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  • Armin Steinbach

    (Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods, Bonn)

Abstract

This study identifies commonalities between two historical incidents of debt assumption – in the United States in 1791 and in present-day Europe. By comparing the interests and behaviour of key players in these two incidents, we find three major parallels: First, in their strategic interactions, parties both for and against debt mutualisation raise arguments based on notions of fairness and morality. Second, in both historical episodes we find harsh rhetoric levelled against private creditors, who are derided as greedy speculators. Third, bargaining is an essential element of the debt assumption process. Bargaining is directed towards limiting or expanding the scope of debt assumption. Further, bargaining typically leads to some form of conditionality imposed in order to increase the chances of the debts being repaid or to ensure benefits accrue to the parties assuming the debt.

Suggested Citation

  • Armin Steinbach, 2015. "The Mutualisation of Sovereign Debt: Comparing the American Past and the European Present," Discussion Paper Series of the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods 2015_02, Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods.
    • Handle: RePEc:mpg:wpaper:2015_02
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jacob Engwerda & Bas van Aarle & Arie Weeren & Bas Van Aarle, 2015. "Debt Stabilization and Debt Mutualization in a Monetary Union with Endogenous Risk Premia," CESifo Working Paper Series 5564, CESifo.
    2. I. Balyuk & И. Балюк А., 2018. "Проблема внешнего долга и мировая финансовая архитектура // External Debt Problem and Global Financial Architecture," Review of Business and Economics Studies // Review of Business and Economics Studies, Финансовый Университет // Financial University, vol. 6(4), pages 18-29.
    3. Esteves Rui Pedro & Tunçer Ali Coşkun, 2016. "Eurobonds Past and Present: A Comparative Review on Debt Mutualization in Europe," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 12(3), pages 659-688, November.
    4. van Aarle, Bas & Engwerda, Jacob & Weeren, Arie, 2018. "Effects of debt mutualization in a monetary union with endogenous risk premia: Can Eurobonds contribute to debt stabilization?," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 100-114.
    5. David Chavanne, 2017. "Shaking Off Burdens – Debt Relief and Moral Intuitions," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 70(3), pages 381-401, August.
    6. Tomasz P. Woźniakowski, 2023. "No Borrowing Without Taxing? Fiscal Solidarity of Next Generation EU in Light of the American Experience," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(4), pages 73-81.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H63 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt
    • F55 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Institutional Arrangements
    • N11 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory

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