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Buying votes and international organizations

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  • Dreher, Axel
  • Vreeland, James Raymond

Abstract

This study explores a basic idea in political economy: Trading money for political influence. Our focus is at the level of international institutions, where governments may exploit their influence in one organization to gain leverage over another. In particular, we consider the lending activities of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and voting behavior at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Analyzing an original dataset on the successful and failed resolutions of the UNSC, we find evidence of vote-buying.

Suggested Citation

  • Dreher, Axel & Vreeland, James Raymond, 2011. "Buying votes and international organizations," University of Göttingen Working Papers in Economics 123, University of Goettingen, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:cegedp:123
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Dutta, Nabamita & Williamson, Claudia R., 2016. "Aiding economic freedom: Exploring the role of political institutions," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 45(S), pages 24-38.
    4. Dr. Lena Lee Andresen, 2022. "The influence of financial corporations on IMF lending: Has it changed with the global financial crisis?," Working Papers 2022-04, Swiss National Bank.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    IMF; UN Security Council; Voting; Aid;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid

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