The World Bank From Reconstruction to Development to Equity [Paperback]

The World Bank is one of the most important and least understood major international institutions. This book provides a concise, accessible and comprehensive overview of the World Bank's history, development, structure, functionality and activities.

These themes are illustrated with a wide variety of case studies drawn from the Bank's international activities. Also discussed are the controversial challenges that the Bank now faces in the light of the criticism from campaigners and NGOs.

Introduction  1. In the Catbirds Seat - The World Bank and International Development  2. How the World Bank has Evolved in Response to External Events  3. Nuts and Bolts: How the World Bank Functions  4. Development Partnerships and the World Bank Family  5. Getting Specific: Cases and Controversies  6. The World Bank and its Critics  7. Emerging Issues and Future Directions  Conclusion  Appendix 1: An ABC for Understanding and Working with the World Bank  Notes  Select Bibliography

'This slim volume is an invaluable aid to students of international law and international relations and anyone interested in the challenges of development for the vast majority of the world's population. It is clear, immensely readable, and infused with a lively appreciation of the World Bank's peculiar quirks and complexities. Often maligned and even more frequently misunderstood, the Bank plays a critical role both in global governance and global development policy. Katherine Marshall is an able and authoritative guide to its many rules and roles.' - Anne-Marie Slaughter, Princeton University, USA

'This book combines a thorough overview of where the Bank comes from, how it works, its challenges, and its mission and vision. Written by someone who knows the Bank deeply and inl#-