This volume asserts that models concerning the outbreak and the propagation of currency crises share many similarities and may therefore be studied together. Theoretical developments in the currency crises literature lead to three distinct types of models. The authors focus on these first, second and third-generation models of currency crises and also discuss the role of the international financial system in preventing currency crises. ÍNDICE:Part 1 First-generation models of currency crises: main assumptions of First-generation models.Aspects of the policymaker's behaviour. Extensions of first-generation models. Part 2 Second- generation models of currency crises: self-fulfilling expectations and the outbreak of currency crises.Self-fulfilling expectations and currency crisis contagion.The relevance of second-generation models. Part 3 Third-generation models of currency crises: economic policy tradeoffs and the outbreak of currency crises. Deteriorated fundamentals and currency crisis contagion.Deteriorated fundamentals and speculators' expectations. Part 4 Currency crises and the international financial system: the propagation of currency crises in emerging countries from 1997 to 1999 - a case study.Currency crises and exchange rate regimes the role of international financial institutions.