Reforming Opic for the 21st Century

What is the role of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation in relation to private sector political risk insurers and financial institutions supporting the flow of foreign direct investment to emerging markets? This study provides an assessment of OPIC's various missions as a promoter of development, supporter of labor rights, protector of living standards in the United States, and advocate of environmental standards around the world. Drawing on the most recent evidence on the relationship between foreign direct investment and development and the impact of outward investment on the home economy, this study outlines a series of reforms that can make OPIC a more effective force in securing the benefits—and avoiding the hazards—of globalization in today's economy.

Theodore H. Moran, nonresident senior fellow, has been associated with the Peterson Institute since 1998. He holds the Marcus Wallenberg Chair at the School of Foreign Service in Georgetown University. He is the founder of the Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy at the university and serves as director there. He also serves as a member of Huawei's International Advisory Council. From 2007 to 2013 he served as Associate to the US National Intelligence Council on international business issues.