Contagion is an elusive concept and several definitions have been used in the literature. According to Forbes and Rigobon (2002) contagion is defined as a significant increase in cross-market linkages after a shock to one country. In this paper we provide a selective literature review on international financial contagion, placing special emphasis on the ongoing European sovereign debt crisis. In summary, empirical research has pointed toward the existence of contagion effects during periods of financial turmoil. The paper summarizes various policy measures and institutional reforms that would help regulators and policy makers to deal with the adverse effects of contagion.