This document provides an overview of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including its establishment, goals, organization, financing arrangements, programs, and role in solving international economic problems over the last two decades. Specifically, it discusses how the IMF was established post-World War II to promote international monetary cooperation and stable exchange rates. It outlines the IMF's governance structure and access to financing programs that countries can use to address balance of payments issues. The document also examines criticisms of IMF stabilization programs and the IMF's role in addressing debt crises in the 1980s as well as transitions to market economies in the 1990s. Finally, it proposes improvements to the IMF's early warning systems, surveillance, access to funds, and overall capacity.