The World's Banker

Appointed president of the World Bank in 1995, James Wolfensohn arrived with a whirlwind of energy and a vision to reinvent the institution founded by Franklin Roosevelt and his World War II allies. In The World's Banker by Sebastian Mallaby, readers are taken through an enthralling narrative of how Wolfensohn's dynamic leadership transformed the World Bank's approach to global development.

Wolfensohn boldly championed debt relief for the world's poorest countries, introducing taboo subjects such as corruption into the development agenda. His tenure saw him face off against the vocal critics of the anti-globalisation movement, bringing the Bank to an unprecedented level of public attention and controversy. From global financial crises to the pressing threat of AIDS, and the emergence of terrorist sanctuaries in failed states, Wolfensohn’s World Bank tackled the most urgent challenges to global security.

Mallaby's vivid account highlights Wolfensohn's relentless efforts to reconstruct a post-war Bosnia, combat endemic corruption and currency collapse in Indonesia, fight the devastating AIDS epidemic in India, and lift millions out of poverty in Uganda. The author captures the complexities and high stakes of these missions, providing an eye-opening view into the workings of global development and international finance.

Behind this gripping narrative lies a critical question about the future: with the world's population projected to rise from 6 to 8 billion in the next quarter of a century, can the World Bank continue to meet these growing challenges? The World's Banker is not only a biography of one of the most influential figures in global finance but also a deep dive into the institution that stands as the world's leading mechanism for addressing global poverty and fostering development.

Filled with rich storytelling and meticulous research, The World's Banker provides an unfiltered look at the trials and tribulations encountered by a pivotal financial institution in the modern era. This seminal work is essential reading for anyone interested in international economics, global development, and the complex dynamics of global governance.