Zjawisko globalnej nierównowagi a stabilność rozwoju gospodarki światowej – ujęcie retrospektywne i prospektywne

The aim of the study is to present major opinions concerning the phenomenon of global imbalances and its influence on stability of global economic growth. The author tries to systematize both concepts presented by economists prior to the world financial crisis and current views on the relationship between global imbalances and the financial crisis. The article contains also selected forecasts of the future development path of global imbalances and resulting recommendations for policy makers given by selected economists. The analysis of the world literature has helped the author to formulate two conclusions: 1) There are competing opinions on the role of global imbalances in terms of sustainable growth of the world economy (expressed both before and after the outbreak of the financial crisis; 2) There is a widespread belief among economists that global imbalances will persist in the future. Both conclusions are arguments for further research on the issue of global imbalances.