
International Organization
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
4th Edition
Published on 13. November 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-350-46134-5 (ISBN)
Description
The fourth edition of this popular core textbook provides wide-ranging coverage of the structure, workings, policies and performance of international organizations such as the UN, EU, IMF and World Bank. Such organizations have never been so important in addressing the challenges that face our increasingly globalised world. This book introduces students to theories with which to approach international organizations, their history, and their ability to respond to contemporary issues in world politics from security and defence and climate change, to trade, migration and refugees, human rights protection, and international development. Underpinning the text is the authors' unique model that views international organizations as actual organizations. Reacting to world events, political actors provide the 'inputs' which are converted by the political systems of these organizations into 'outputs' that achieve varying levels of real-world impact and effectiveness.
This is the perfect text for undergraduate and postgraduate students of politics and international relations taking courses on international organization and global governance, as well as essential reading for those studying the UN, the EU and globalization.
New to this Edition:
- Draws on the most recent research in the field and considers some of the significant world events of the last decade to ensure that the book is completely up to date.
- New separate chapters considering NATO, international organizations in the field of migration and refugees as well as a new chapter on regional organizations such as the African Union, ASEAN and MERCOSUR.
- Fully accounts for the challenges to international organizations by the emerging powers, the Trump administration, geopolitics and crises of legitimacy.
This is the perfect text for undergraduate and postgraduate students of politics and international relations taking courses on international organization and global governance, as well as essential reading for those studying the UN, the EU and globalization.
New to this Edition:
- Draws on the most recent research in the field and considers some of the significant world events of the last decade to ensure that the book is completely up to date.
- New separate chapters considering NATO, international organizations in the field of migration and refugees as well as a new chapter on regional organizations such as the African Union, ASEAN and MERCOSUR.
- Fully accounts for the challenges to international organizations by the emerging powers, the Trump administration, geopolitics and crises of legitimacy.
Reviews / Votes
Approaching international organizations (IOs) as political systems, this excellent textbook offers a unique entry point to the study of multilateralism. Guided by the most pertinent theories, it elucidates in a highly accessible style how IOs are created, how they shape global politics, and what problems they encounter in this process. The outstanding fourth edition of International Organization provides important empirical updates, widens the spectrum of covered policy fields, and anchors the book in the most recent academic debates. A must-read for anyone interested in IOs and global governance. * Christian Kreuder-Sonnen, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany * A superb introduction to the phenomenon of international organizations that, in its finely balanced blend of concise detailing and rigorous detail, maintains no illusions regarding the frustratingly uncertain geopolitical epoch we all happen to be living through. * Eric Loefflad, University of Kent, UK * A classic that gives life to the study of international organizations as political systems, recognizing that IOs are not merely diplomatic meeting places but important variables in international politics themselves. * Kirsten Haack, Northumbria University, UK * In an interconnected world, international organizations are the architects of unity, diplomacy, and progress. Dive into this comprehensive textbook to understand how international relations paradigms explain the role of international organizations. Discover how international organizations drive global change, solve complex challenges, and shape the future. * Zorzeta Bakaki, University of Essex, UK *More details
Edition
4th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
35
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 153 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
536 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-46134-5 (9781350461345)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Hylke Dijkstra is Professor of International Security and Cooperation at Maastricht University, The Netherlands
Andreas Kruck is Senior Researcher & Lecturer in Global Governance at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Bernhard Zangl is Professor of Global Governance and Public Policy at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Andreas Kruck is Senior Researcher & Lecturer in Global Governance at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Bernhard Zangl is Professor of Global Governance and Public Policy at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Author
Maastricht University, The Netherlands
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Content
1. Introduction
PART I THEORY AND HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
2. Theories of International Organizations
3. History of International Organizations
PART II POLICY-MAKING IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
4. International Organizations as Political Systems
5. Input: Actors' Demands and Support
6. Conversion: Decision-making in International Organizations
7. Output: What International Organizations Produce
PART III ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
8. Peace, Security and War
9. Trade, Development and Finance
10. Climate and the Environment
11. Migration and Human Rights
12. Regional Cooperation
PART IV CONCLUSION
13. The Future of International Organizations
PART I THEORY AND HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
2. Theories of International Organizations
3. History of International Organizations
PART II POLICY-MAKING IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
4. International Organizations as Political Systems
5. Input: Actors' Demands and Support
6. Conversion: Decision-making in International Organizations
7. Output: What International Organizations Produce
PART III ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
8. Peace, Security and War
9. Trade, Development and Finance
10. Climate and the Environment
11. Migration and Human Rights
12. Regional Cooperation
PART IV CONCLUSION
13. The Future of International Organizations