International organizations and development

This third issue of the Yearbook on the History of Global Development is de- voted to the role of IOs as relevant actors for global development and contributes to the current debate on this topic. It does this by presenting fresh research that has a direct bearing on present-day challenges, going beyond single analysis pro- viding a forum for a variety of historical perspectives on, and understandings of, development. This issue has three main focuses. Firstly, the role of thinkers and experts working for IOs or who have contributed to the shaping and conveying of the idea of development in a global context. Secondly, UN action in certain areas and regions – Latin America, East Asia, and North Africa – and core issues of de- velopment, like trade-aid nexus, population control, promotion of culture and sci- entific knowledge, food security, and housing. Thirdly, examining the role of some NGOs that could enhance both a wide perspective on philanthropic action, espe- cially in the Global South, and an alternative model of development, dealing with security and post-conflict situations as well as with consistency between po- litical questions – like protection of human rights and respect of the rule of law – and development policies.