External Debt as a Fundamental Problem for Developing Countries

Abstract

This paper analyses the determinants of long term external debt for a large sample of developing countries. We found that, in addition to the standard economic variables, institutional and socio-political variables are a key factor in explaining the level of external debt. In fact, the international debt crisis was caused when a large number of poor countries were not able to pay the interest rates for their foreign debt Through a strategic approach we provide recommendations, guidelines and suggestions to overcome and resolve the external debt of developing countries, as key issue in the global economy.