Memo Review - International Policy Advice for the World Bank, November 2020
Click to view memo being reviewed:
Memorandum on International Policy Advice for the World Bank,
To: The President of the World Bank, From: Pinelopi (Penny) Koujianou Goldberg, November 2020
Overall, Goldberg presents a persuasive advisory memorandum by identifying a problem and providing actionable solutions. The background section clearly outlines how the World Bank faces challenges from rising geopolitical tensions and deglobalization. The memo adopts a professional but pragmatic tone, emphasizing the institutional need to adapt its policy priorities, given that the traditional export-led growth model is no longer viable. Furthermore, it provides four clear recommendations and an actionable to-do list. Despite these strengths, the memo demonstrates room for improvement in the introduction of the problem statement and proposed solutions.
Goldberg’s primary audience is the President of the World Bank who likely has extensive subject matter expertise. Despite this, Goldberg provides a substantive background section, delaying the introduction of his problem statement and causing confusion about the author’s intent. This structure disrupts the reader’s focus on the author’s intended primary issue, detracting from an otherwise easily digestible thesis. The problem statement should be brought forward, and context should be tailored to the audience.
Goldberg offers solutions which are weaker than the problem he describes demands. If, as Goldberg claims, the philosophical underpinning of the World Bank is losing international support, the remedies must be forceful. Instead, Goldberg’s recommendations are passive in both tense and substance. “Research,” “engage,” and “educate,” do not inspire urgent, decisive action. The same ideas, supported by verbs like “establish” or "advocate,” would call the reader to action. More concrete recommendations would also be welcome, such as establishing regional offices for the World Bank rather than country offices