International organizations (IOs) are essential and controversial actors in world politics today.

They work on just about every imaginable issue that states cannot easily address individually. This timely and engaging new title offers a comprehensive overview of major IOs and their role in global governance. International Organizations in World Politics by Tamar Gutner presents a variety of theoretical approaches to analyzing the roles and impact of IOs.

It then examines the historical development, governance structure, activities, and performance of major IOs. The book offers comprehensive, historically-grounded overviews of the most influential IOs, including the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization.

For each IO, there is a detailed case study that illuminates the constraints and challenges the IO faces in areas that include conflict resolution, development, the environment, trade, and financial crisis. The book also examines regional organizations, with an emphasis on the European Union and the euro crisis and the African Union’s peace operations.