Fully revised and updated, this popular and broad-ranging textbook provides a systematic introduction to the structure, policies and performance of international organizations. Despite being a relatively new phenomenon, international organizations are involved in innumerable issue areas. This core text analyses IOs at the regional and global levels to show how institutions such as the UN, OECD, AU, EU and many others contribute to contemporary global governance and the norms and rules which guide transnational responses to problems such as climate change, weapons of mass destruction and global terrorism. This accessible and engaging text gives students an analytical insight into the causes and effects of international regimes and organizations. Structured in three parts, this text answers key enduring questions: why international organizations are created, how they shape collective decision making, their effects on global governance in key issue areas such as the environment and human rights. This core text is the ideal companion for students of International Relations taking International Organizations and Global Governance modules.

Author Biography

VOLKER RITTBERGER was Emeritus Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the Institute of Political Science, University of Tubingen, Germany. BERNHARD ZANGL is Professor of Global Governance and Public Policy at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany. ANDREAS KRUCK is Lecturer in International Relations and Global Governance at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany.