Which statement describes a problem with conditionality?

• A. It strengthens parliamentary sovereignty
• B. It creates an economic straight-jacket and can erode sovereignty
• C. It guarantees rapid growth regardless of policy
• D. It prevents privatization

Answer: (B)

Conditionality attaches policy conditions to financial assistance, requiring governments to implement specific reforms to access funds. This can effectively restrict a government's freedom to set policy, creating what many describe as an economic straight-jacket. When external lenders demand measures like austerity, privatization, or deregulation, a country may have to implement actions that limit its fiscal and regulatory autonomy, which can feel like erosion of sovereignty. The aim is to stabilize the economy and restore access to capital, but the cost can be higher short-term social and economic pain. The other statements don’t fit because conditionality does not strengthen parliamentary sovereignty, it does not guarantee rapid growth regardless of policy, and it often pushes privatization rather than preventing it.