"The End of Poverty" is a documentary film that explores the causes and consequences of global poverty, and critiques the policies advocated by the Washington Consensus, a set of economic policies promoted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in the 1980s and 1990s. Two examples of failures of the Washington Consensus highlighted in the film are:
1. Privatization of public services: The Washington Consensus advocated for the privatization of public services such as water, electricity, and healthcare, arguing that market competition would lead to increased efficiency and lower costs. However, the film argues that in many cases, privatization has led to higher costs, reduced access to services for poor communities, and a lack of accountability and transparency.
2. Structural adjustment programs: The Washington Consensus also promoted structural adjustment programs (SAPs) as a way to address economic crises in developing countries. SAPs typically involve implementing austerity measures such as reducing government spending, devaluing currencies, and liberalizing trade and investment policies. The film argues that SAPs have often led to social and economic dislocation, increased inequality, and a lack of investment in critical public goods such as education and healthcare.