After the Berlin Wall: A History of the EBRD, Volume 1

The European Bank for Development and Reconstruction (EBRD) was established in 1991 to help central and eastern Europe transition to open market-oriented democratic economies. After the Berlin Wall chronicles the EBRD's journey from a high-risk start-up to an established member of the international financial community, operating in nearly 40 countries across three continents. It describes the multilateral negotiations that created the institution and its unique business model, focusing on the private sector and delivering development impact with sustainable financial returns. The author recounts the challenges transition countries faced and the EBRD's response to critical events, such as the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Chernobyl disaster, the Russian debt default, and the global financial crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Central European University Press

After the Berlin Wall delves into the captivating inner workings of an international financial institution, the European Bank for Development and Reconstruction (EBRD), established in the aftermath of communism to aid the countries of central and eastern Europe in their transition towards open market-oriented democratic economies. This comprehensive two-part history begins with the first volume, aptly titled "After the Berlin Wall," which chronicles the EBRD's journey from a fledgling high-risk start-up to a well-established member of the international financial community. As of April 2020, the EBRD operates in nearly 40 countries across three continents, making a significant impact on the global landscape.

In this volume, the author explores the intricate multilateral negotiations that gave birth to this cosmopolitan institution with a distinct "European character." The focus is on the EBRD's unique business model, which prioritizes the private sector and aims to deliver development impact while ensuring sustainable financial returns. The author vividly recounts the challenges faced by "transition countries" in their journey from a defunct to a more prosperous economic system. They map the EBRD's response to critical events, such as the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the containment of the Chernobyl disaster site, the debt default in Russia, and the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, "After the Berlin Wall" offers a deep understanding of the EBRD's role in shaping the economic landscape of post-communist Europe. It sheds light on the institution's evolution, its innovative approaches, and the significant contributions it has made to promoting stability, growth, and social progress in the region. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the complex dynamics of international finance and development.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 155 x 232 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633863848