“Every year books, about the World Bank are published. Few make an impact beyond the moment, if at all. This book does more than make an impact: it sets the standard. Its power lies in 1) its historical analysis to place World Bank practice in context, and 2) a sophisticated yet accessible treatment of the economic analysis underlying World Bank practice, and 3) why that economic analysis is fatally flawed. And, most importantly, it indicates the way forward.”

“Stein offers a critical review of the World Bank’s economic development policy agenda and its theoretical foundations—particularly on state formation, financial development and health policies. His institutionalist perspective points to pragmatic policy alternatives to such increasingly discredited Washington Consensus policies. This book is long overdue.”

“This book is dynamite. It blows to pieces the World Bank and the bogus economics it sold to the poor countries of the world. Professor Stein’s indictment of the World Bank pulls no punches, meticulously documenting the gross incompetence and dishonesty behind the World Bank’s failure to reduce world poverty. Stein’s mastery of economic theory is unmatched, as is his knowledge of world poverty, particularly in Africa. You must read his book.”