Analysis of the distribution of World Bank disbursements in Latin America between 1985 and 2010

Abstract: This article analyzes the distribution of World Bank disbursements in Latin America and the Caribbean, in the period between 1985 and 2010, among countries and economic sectors. Its objective is to identify tendencies that help understand the criteria that guide WB activities and how these criteria relate to WB's understanding on its declared mission of combating extreme poverty. The article tests the existence of such criteria, with the econometric analysis of disbursements per country in relation to per capita income, poverty, GINI index, population, political regimes, investment, and government expenditure. Disbursements distribution among economic sectors is also analysed in selected timespans. In order to analyse the results, the article uses the criterion of "adherence" among the priorities in resources distribution, countries' indicators and the nature of privileged sectors. The analysis on resources distribution may also contribute to the understanding of how the WB understands the meaning of the guidelines it states