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New Books in Economics

Gregory Makoff, "Default: The Landmark Court Battle over Argentina's $100 Billion Debt Restructuring" (Georgetown UP, 2024)

Aug 20, 2024
In this discussion, Gregory Makoff, an expert in sovereign debt law, unveils the gripping saga of Argentina's $100 billion debt crisis. He delves into the complexities of international financial systems and the unique challenges nations face when defaulting. The podcast highlights the intense legal battles with holdout creditors and the critical role of the IMF in restructuring efforts. Makoff also discusses the political and economic chaos that followed the default, showcasing the dramatic interplay between courts, governments, and global finance.
59:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Argentina's 2001 default exemplifies the complexities and repercussions of sovereign debt crises, highlighting the insufficient international frameworks for managing such situations.
  • The prolonged legal battles and need for better bond agreements reveal critical lessons for future sovereign debt negotiations and the importance of IMF collaboration.

Deep dives

Argentina's Historic Default and Ongoing Economic Struggles

Argentina's economic troubles date back over a century, but the 2001 default on $100 billion in bonds marked a significant turning point. This event set off a prolonged conflict between Argentina and its creditors, one that has seen the nation default multiple times subsequently. The analysis of this historical backdrop reveals a continuous cycle of boom and bust, which raises questions about Argentina's financial mismanagement. The ongoing presidential elections further complicate the situation, as the future direction of Argentina’s economy remains a contentious issue.

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