Description
Book SynopsisThis is a definitive and comprehensive history of international organizations from their very beginning at the Congress of Vienna in 1815 up to the present day, and provides the reader with nearly two centuries of world history seen from the perspective of international organizations. It covers the three main fields of international relations: security, economics and the humanitarian domain which often overlap in international organizations. As well as global and intercontinental organizations, the book also covers regional international organizations and international non-governmental organizations in all continents.
The book progresses chronologically but also provides a thematic and geographical coherence so that related developments can be discussed together. A series of detailed tables, figures, charts and information boxes explain the chronologies, structures and relationships of international organizations. There are biographies, histories and analysis of hundreds of international organizations.
This is an essential reference work with direct relevance to scholars in international relations, international political economy, international economics and business and security studies.
Trade Review'This magnum opus will become the standard text on the history of international organizations for years to come. Bob Reinalda provides the most comprehensive overview of the development, strengths and weaknesses of international organizations since the early days of the Concert of Europe. The volume's interdisciplinary scope, combining international relations, history and international law, is simply unmatched. It will be an essential reference guide for scholars and practitioners alike.'Dennis Dijkzeul, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
'An Indispensable reference for the student of international affairs interested in diplomatic history or contemporary politics, from the Congress of Vienna to the age of globalization. Analysis of context plus documentary texts renders the book particularly attractive.'Ilter Turan, Professor, Department of International Relations, Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey
'This thorough and comprehensive history will be the starting point for historians of international organizations for many years to come.'
Craig N. Murphy, Wellesley College, USA
"Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above." - D. Liestman, CHOICE (May 2010)
Table of ContentsPart I. 1815: British hegemony and the invention of the multilateral conference plus follow-up conference. The concert of Europe and the central commission for the navigation of the Rhine Part II. Transnational networks of citizens. From the anti-slavery movement in 1815 to the international committee of the red cross of 1863 Part III The creation of the hague system. The arbitration movement and the 1899 and 1907 peace conferences in the Hague Part IV. Public international unions 1865-1914. Institutionalization of conferences and the creation of continental markets in Europe and the Americas Part V The International Foundation for the Welfare State 1880-1914. How governments became involved in International labour legislation Part VI Laying down the path of collective security. The first world war, the League of Nations founded (1919) and the interwar period Part VII Laying down the path of common economic endeavours. The International Labour Organization (1919) and the economic and social activities of the League of Nations Part VIII American Hegemony and the Genesis and evolution of the United Nations System Part IX Collective Security in a Bipolar World 1945-80 Part X Economic Cooperation in a Bipolar World 1945-70 Part XI Decolonization, the North-South Divide and Third World experiences with global and regional international organizations 1960-80 Part XII Development Aid, environmental protection and human rights as normative powers. NGO pressure on governments through Intergovernmental 1960-80 Part XIII International Organizations in the 1980's. The Cold war intensifies and neoliberalism replaces Keynsianism Part XIV The 1990's and new challenges for the United Nations as Peacekeeper Part XV Globalization in the 1990's New challenges for the United Nations system as a promoter of economic and social stability Part XVI Regional International Organizations from the 1980's Onwards Part XVII Security and the International economy on the threshold of the twenty-first Century
