Eric Berr

The false promises of the (second) Washington consensus: evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean (1990-2003)

The objective of this paper is twofold. Firstly, we show how, and to what extent, Latin American and Caribbean countries applied the precepts of the second Washington consensus, i.e. a consensus which stresses the capital account liberalization. Secondly, we highlight the effects of this set of reforms on their economies. Thus, we show that countries having most scrupulously followed these recommendations did not experience better economic results. On the contrary, their situation as regards inequality and debt is getting worse than others.

Sustainable development in a post Keynesian perspective: why eco-development is relevant to post Keynesian economics

Abstract While sustainable development is a unanimously accepted watchword today, the article aims to show that the post Keynesian school, although it did not emphasize environmental issues and sustainable development as such, has tools that make it relevant on this topic. Indeed, post Keynesian sustainable development can be close to Ignacy Sachs’s eco-development, which is inspired by Michal Kalecki. Thus, post Keynesianism and eco-development share the same position related to economic growth. They meet, via the concept of radical uncertainty, on the importance of the precautionary principle. If the implications of the principle of effective demand seem to oppose them, these divergences can be easily overcome.