Influence of international organisations on social policy making in vulnerable countries: The case of Croatian healthcare financing policy

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the influence of international organisations (IOs) on healthcare financing policy in Croatia, focusing on the period from 1990 to 2019. It analyses how IOs prescribe and interact with domestic policymakers. The central argument of the dissertation is that while IOs play a significant role in shaping healthcare financing policy, their influence is not absolute. The findings challenge perceptions of IOs, particularly the World Bank, as inflexible and hegemonic actors able to unilaterally impose policies on vulnerable countries. Instead, the dissertation emphasises their capacity for pragmatism and cooperation in the policy transfer process. The thesis argues that this approach is driven by a combination of factors, including a desire to promote development in aid-recipient countries and a self-interest in maintaining a long-term relationship that facilitates future lending and influence.