ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews three "ideal-type" models of International Monetary Fund (IMF) decision-making. Each of these models provided with predictions regarding internal processes as well as policy outcomes of IMF lending policy. The relative autonomy of debtor nations contradicts the radical interpretation of the IMF lending process as a haven of neo-imperialist exploitation. In most cases, national governments asserted themselves in negotiations with the Fund in order to win favor with domestic audiences. Since the missions the Fund sends to member nations prior to drafting a letter of intent are empowered to articulate positions taken by the Fund management, one could alternatively say that in these instances the IMF's traditional channels are sufficient to achieve its objectives. These channels include a significant role for the Exchange and Trade Relations Department. In the cases of India, Zaire, Jamaica and Turkey, the managing directors intervention was increased because of the significance of the situation for the IMF's role.
