Globalisation:International Monetary Fund:People
This section will examine some of the members of the IMF who occupy key organisational roles, their history and links to other organisations. We will question what ‘type of people’ are selected to take on the key positions within the IMF. Initially we will consider the current structure and organisational pattern by discussing the role of; Dominique Strauss-Kahn (Managing Director). Then we shall consider some of the previous leaders of the organisation, and highlight any patterns evident.
Dominique Strauss- Khan is a professor in economics with the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris. Between 1997 and November 1999 he held the position of Minister for Economu, Finance and industry. He is credited with several 'key successes' through this period; perhaps the key areas are his involvement in the launch of the Euro and the privatisation of the French aerospace industry. [1]. Interestingly his first forray into the political sphere was as an active member of the Communist students movement and subsequently The french Socialist party. His interest in Private finance and corporate proggression had attracted criticism from his left wing socialist party counterparts at this time. [2]
Rodrigo de Rato- De rato was imf president from june 2004 until october 31 2007. Before he assumed this role, he was the minister of economic affairs in spain [3] He has also been involved with other organisations such as the World Bank and the European Investment Bank along with other organisations tasked with reconstruction and development. As with Dominique strauss kahn, we can see potential political leanings linked through his involvement previous firms/organisations. For example the European Investment Bank (EIB) is specifically tasked (like other "development banks") with "financing for projects which would further the policy objectives set by the European Community" [4]
