This is a clear and concise introduction to the International Monetary Fund ‎(‎IMF‎)‎ and an overview of its debates and controversies‎.‎ Where did the IMF come from‎?‎ What does it do‎?‎ Why do so many governments participate in its programs and what are their effects‎?‎ How can we best reform this key global institution‎?‎ These are some of the key questions addressed‎.‎ In our age of thinking global‎,‎ the IMF is a crucial institution and central to understanding international relations and current affairs‎.‎ Founded in the aftermath of the Second World War‎,‎ its basic purposes were to facilitate world trade and promote national prosperity‎.‎ The founders hoped that never again would the world experience the trade policies that led up to the Great Depression‎.‎ This book outlines and questions these targets and assesses actual achievements‎.‎ It also details how despite originally focusing on Europe‎,‎ the Fund has gradually shifted to involvement with poorer developing countries‎,‎ but to what ends and with how much success‎?‎ This study both poses and tackles the tough questions facing our global community today‎.‎