Um acordo de cavalheiros
a colonialidade do poder no sistema de quotas do FMI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63595/rcn.v7i3.20130Keywords:
Bretton Woods, Coloniality, Governance, International Monetary FundAbstract
The article analyzes the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from a decolonial perspective, focusing on the quota system as an instrument for reproducing global hierarchies inherited from colonialism. Although the IMF is formally presented as a technical and neutral institution, its governance reflects the interests of central powers, limiting the economic autonomy of peripheral countries and perpetuating historical inequalities. The article examines the IMF’s origin at Bretton Woods, highlighting how initial decisions were shaped by a small group of economists and diplomats from major powers. The critical analysis shows that high-income countries hold the majority of quotas and votes, while the Global South remains underrepresented, illustrating the coloniality of power. The research, based on an interpretative-analytical approach and official IMF sources as well as specialized literature, seeks to answer the following question: in what ways does the functioning of the IMF, particularly its quota system, reproduce the coloniality of power? Finally, it is proposed that a decolonial understanding of IMF governance is essential for rethinking reforms that promote justice, representativeness, and autonomy in the global economic system.
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