Washington Consensus
Simple Explanation
What is it?
- Coined by economist John Williamson in 1989.
- A set of 10 policy reforms suggested
for Latin American countries in economic crisis.
- Supported by IMF, World Bank, and US
Treasury to stabilize economies.
The 10 Policy Reforms
- Fiscal Discipline: Spend within limits;
avoid debt.
- Smart Government Spending: Focus on health,
education, infrastructure.
- Tax Reforms: Lower taxes for many, widen tax
base.
- Interest Rates: Let markets set rates (no
govt. control).
- Competitive Exchange Rates: Keep currency
value realistic.
- Free Trade: Reduce import/export
restrictions.
- Open to Foreign Investment: Allow foreign
companies to invest.
- Privatization: Sell govt. companies to
private owners.
- Deregulation: Make it easier to start/close
businesses.
- Protect Property Rights: Safeguard ownership
(e.g., land, patents).
Controversies & Criticisms
- Labeled as "Neoliberalism": Seen
as pushing free markets too hard (e.g., cutting welfare,
privatizing essentials).
- IMF/WB Conditions: Countries like India
(1991 reforms) had to follow these policies for loans during crises.
- 2008 Financial Crisis: Some blame these
policies for excessive market freedom leading to crashes.
John Williamson’s Defense
- He says the policies were common-sense
fixes for 1980s Latin America, not a
"one-size-fits-all" rule.
- Critics wrongly blame it for globalization’s
downsides (inequality, job losses).
Shift After 2008 Crisis
- Keynesian Ideas Return: Governments now
focus on public spending (e.g., healthcare, jobs) to
boost economies.
- Examples:
- Japan’s "Abenomics": Govt.
spending + easy loans + reforms.
- East Asia: Countries like South Korea
thrived without strict Washington Consensus policies.
Simplified Summary:
- Washington Consensus = 10 free-market
policies for crisis-hit countries.
- Later seen as harsh "market-first" rules.
- Post-2008, countries mix markets with govt.
intervention for stability.
🌟 Think of it as
a debate: "Free markets vs. Govt. control" – the balance keeps
shifting! 🌟