This unique book presents students and scholars with a comprehensive and considered overview of the way in which the world is governed. Rorden Wilkinson draws together seventeen of the most significant works by leading specialists in the field to explore the role of global institutions from the United Nations (UN) and NATO, to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Introductions to each article locate the readings within the broader global governance literature and provide a useful intellectual and historical context. Key concepts include: the concept of global governance possibilities and challenges the governance of global capitalism humanitarian crisis finance and development health and environment global civil society. The Global Governance Reader is the ideal introduction to the key theories and issues behind the most significant emerging areas in world politics.