Social protection has acquired its prominent place in the Bank's work programme largely as a result of having to deal with the consequences of economic stabilization and structural adjustment. Far from being self-rectifying under adjustment, as had originally been predicted, poverty and vulnerability were exarcebated in many countries and for many groups.

- Anthony Hall, 'Social Policies in the World Bank' (2007)

covenants without the swords, are but words, and of no strength to a man at all.

- Hobbes

the thing exists and no amount of conceptual restructuring can dissolve it.

- J.P. Nettl