"This book provides perspectives on various aspects of the international financial system that contribute to financial crises and growth failures, and it discusses the remedies that economists have suggested for addressing the underlying problems. It also sheds light on a central feature of the international financial system that remains mysterious to many economists and most noneconomists: the activities of the International Monetary Fund and the factors that influence its effectiveness. Dr. Isard offers policy perspectives on what countries can do to reduce their vulnerabilities to financial crises and growth failures, as well as a number of general directions for systemic reform. The breadth of the agenda provides grounds for optimism that the international financial system can be strengthened considerably without revolutionary change."--BOOK JACKET.