Document Type
Article
Major
Economics
Mentor
Prof. Mark Healey, Dept. of History, and Dr. Jennifer Schaefer, UConn Libraries
Disciplines
Growth and Development | History | Latin American History | Political Economy
Abstract
This project investigates how the World Bank's relationship with Mexico changed through the 1980s debt crisis and whether the institution's internal assessments differed from its public presentation. Drawing on archival memoranda, correspondence, briefing papers, and publicly available reports, the study compares World Bank deliberations with official statements and publications. It demonstrates that examining these private and public records together provides a clearer understanding of how the Bank formulated policy, exercised influence over Mexico's economic strategy, and responded to the challenges of debt, adjustment, and reform. More broadly, the project contributes to understanding the role of international financial institutions in shaping national policy during periods of economic crisis.
Recommended Citation
Purcell, Phillip, "Public Rhetoric and Private Strategy: The World Bank's Relationship with Mexico Through the 1980s Debt Crisis" (2026). Holster Scholar Projects. 76.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/srhonors_holster/76
Included in
Growth and Development Commons, Latin American History Commons, Political Economy Commons
Comments
The author thanks the Holster Scholars Program and the UConn Honors Program for support.