International Finance

Researching finance from an international perspective is a fantastic way to find a unique subject to cover in your dissertation. From covering global multinationals to the World Trade Organization, here are a few of our ideas we’ve put together for your inspiration.

Example international finance dissertation topic 1:

Since 2010, has the IMF done enough to overcome its perceived institutional illegitimacy and inefficiency?

According to its then Managing Director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the IMF agreed in 2010 to ‘the most fundamental governance overhaul in the Fund’s 65-year history and the biggest ever shift of influence in favour of emerging market and developing countries to recognize their growing role in the global economy’ (IMF, 2010). This was done in partial response to previous claims by, amongst others, Coffey and Riley, (2006), that the IMF lacks legitimacy and is inefficient. Using Strauss-Kahn’s pronouncement along with the academic opinions of Coffey and Riley this dissertation evaluates the post 2010 reforms to the governance of the IMF.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Coffey, P, and Riley, R. (2006) Reform of the international institutions: The IMF, World Bank and the WTO. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.
• Seabrooke, L. (2007) ‘Legitimacy gaps in the world economy: Explaining the sources of the IMF’s legitimacy crisis’, International Politics, Vol. 44, pp. 250-268.
• Suchman, M. C. (1995) ‘Managing legitimacy: Strategic and institutional approaches’, Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 20, pp. 571-610.
• Thatcher, M. and Stone Sweet, A. (2002) ‘Theory and practice of delegation to non-majoritarian institutions’, West European Politics, Vol. 25, pp. 1-22.