Routledge History of International Organizations

This 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.

'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)

Bob Reinalda is Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the Department of Political Science, Nijmegen School of Management at Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands. He has written extensively about the history of social movements, non-governmental organizations, autonomous policy making by, decision making within and implementation by intergovernmental organizations, and the Bologna Process.