The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) / Edition 1

by Richard Woodward

Overview

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is one of the least written about least understood of our major global institutions. This new book builds a well rounded understanding of this crucial, though often neglected institution, with a range of clearly written chapters that:

outline its origins and evolution, bringing its story fully up to date

present a clear framework for understanding the OECD

set the institution within the broader context of global governance

outline key criticisms and debates

evaluate its future prospects.

Given the immense challenges facing humanity at the start of the twenty-first century, the need for the OECD as a venue where the world's leading states can discuss, on an informal and ongoing basis, the conundrums of globalization has never been greater. The clarity and rigour of these chapters cut through the layers of misunderstanding and misconception that surround the OECD, often dismissed as a "rich man's club," "a think-tank" and "a consultative forum." This new book dismantles these labels to provide a holistic understanding of the organization.

This concise and accessible introduction is essential reading for all students of international relations, politics and world history and affairs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415371988
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/30/2009
Series:	Global Institutions
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Richard Woodward is a Lecturer in political economy in the Department of Politics, University of Hull, UK.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations xii

Foreword xiii

Acknowledgements xvi

List of abbreviations xviii

Introduction 1

1 Origin and evolution 11

2 Organization and functioning 43

3 A framework for understanding 62

4 Current issues 82

5 OECD reform 103

6 The future of the OECD 124

Notes 128

Select bibliography and electronic resources 147

Index 150

Editorial Reviews

'A valuable survey and analysis of an international organisation long-neglected by academics; Richard Woodward’s book on the OECD makes a major contribution to our understanding of global governance.' - Stephen McBride, Director, Centre for Global Political Economy, Simon Fraser University, USA

'Many have lamented the absence of a comprehensive study of the OECD. Richard Woodward has acted to correct that situation, and he has done it very well. Here is a synoptic single-authored treatment of this extraordinarily influential organization based on careful scholarship and a determination to be fair.' - Robert T. Kudrle, University of Minnesota, USA

'This is a much needed text about the OECD, an astonishingly under-researched organization that represents an important piece in the mosaic of current global governance… a highly accessible book for students and scholars of international organizations.' - Anja P. Jakobi, University of Bremen, Germany

"Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels." - F. L. Mokhtari, CHOICE (February 2010)

From the Publisher