The Aftermath of Debt Surges

Ayhan Kose, Franziska Ohnsorge, Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff

No 16537, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: Debt in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) is at its highest level in half a century. In about nine out of 10 EMDEs, debt is higher now than it was in 2010 and, in half of the EMDEs, debt is more than 30 percentage points of gross domestic product higher. Historically, elevated debt levels increased the incidence of debt distress, particularly in EMDEs and particularly when financial market conditions turned less benign. This paper reviews an encompassing menu of options that have, in the past, helped lower debt burdens. Specifically, it examines orthodox options (enhancing growth, fiscal consolidation, privatization, and wealth taxation) and heterodox options (inflation, financial repression, debt default and restructuring). The mix of feasible options depends on country characteristics and the type of debt. However, none of these options comes without political, economic, and social costs. Some options may ultimately be ineffective unless vigorously implemented. Policy reversals in difficult times have been common. The challenges associated with debt reduction raise questions of global governance, including to what extent advanced economies can cast their net wider to cushion prospective shocks to EMDEs.

Keywords: Debt restructuring; Growth; inflation; Fiscal consolidation; Financial repression; Wealth taxes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E32 E63 F34 F44 F62 H6 H63 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021-09
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Related works:
Journal Article: The Aftermath of Debt Surges (2022)
Working Paper: The aftermath of debt surges (2021)
Working Paper: The Aftermath of Debt Surges (2021)
Working Paper: The Aftermath of Debt Surges (2021)
Working Paper: The Aftermath of Debt Surges (2021)
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