Is there a New Washington Consensus?

CAMBRIDGE: Two and a half years ago, senior staff members of the World Bank approached the Nobel laureate Michael Spence to ask him to lead a high-powered commission on economic growth.

The question at hand could not have been more important. The "Washington consensus" - the infamous list of do's and don'ts for policymakers in developing countries - had largely dissipated. But what would replace it?  

Spence was not sure he was the man for the job. After all, his research had focused on theoretical issues in advanced economies; he had been dean of a business school; and he did not have much experience in economic development. But he was intrigued by the task. And he was encouraged by the enthusiastic and positive response he received from the commission's prospective members. Thus was born the Spence Commission on Growth and Development, a star-studded group of policymakers - including another Nobelist - whose final report was issued at the end of May.    

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