From the Archive: Is the IMF Fit for Purpose?
This Guardian Audio Long Read revisits a 2022 piece examining the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global debt crisis, and the increasing calls for a global lender of last resort. The article highlights that the current debt crisis is the worst in decades, underscoring the urgency for such an institution.
The piece discusses how many nations perceive the IMF as overbearing or neocolonial, prompting them to seek alternative sources of assistance. It references key related topics including the IMF itself, debt relief, the broader financial crisis, and the roles of China, Indonesia, the World Bank, and the global economy.
Originally written by Jamie Martin and voiced by Kelly Burke, the production and scoring were led by Jessica Beck with additional contributions from Rachel Porter, and executive produced by Ellie Bury. Though first produced in 2022, this piece was featured in The Guardian's archive on 10 December 2025.
