Conclusions and Outlook

The authors of the present volume share a strong concern about the seriousness of the debt issue and about the need for determined action and cooperation at the national and international levels. They are also aware of the high degree of uncertainty of future prospects. The broad range of themes addressed in the preceding chapters illustrates the complexity of the international debt situation. One of the principal objectives of this book is to show readers that there is a wide range of perspectives, opinions, theories, policy proposals and projections on the international debt issue. While there is convergence of views on many important points among the authors, no attempt has been made to seek consensus or agreement among them on a single set of conclusions and projections. Thus, the following paragraphs represent more of a selection than a summary or a hierarchy of the wealth of suggestions and conclusions that the reader can find in the preceding chapters.