PhD defence by Samer Srouji

Srouji argues that conventional explanations of the rise and fall of world currencies, which tend to focus on international reserve holdings, overlook the deeper monetary mechanisms through which currencies acquire global status. 

Drawing on competing theories of money, historical experience, and insights from Keynes, the dissertation argues that the unit of account function – the currency in which international trade and financial obligations are denominated – is central to understanding the emergence and persistence of world money.

Srouji's research connects this theoretical debate to enduring weaknesses in the international monetary system since the collapse of Bretton Woods, including asymmetric adjustment, the modern Triffin dilemma, and the provision of global liquidity. It argues that meaningful monetary reform requires a stronger theory of world money, particularly as growing geopolitical fragmentation and initiatives such as those pursued by the BRICS point toward the possibility of competing monetary architectures.

Doctoral Board

Chair

Professor Wil Hout

Doctoral dissertation supervisors

Professor Mansoob Murshed, International Institute of Social Studies
Professor Olivier Bruno, University Côte d’Azur
Dr Howard Nicholas, International Institute of Social Studies

Full Doctoral Committee

Dr. Burno de Conti, University of Campinas
Professor Monika Meireles, National University of Mexico, UNAM
Professor Delphine Lahet, University of Bordeaux
Professor. Dominique Torre, University Côte d’Azur
Dr. Georgina Gomez, International Institute of Social Studies
Professor Irene van Staveren, International Institute of Social Studies