Research Handbook on International Bureaucracies

This authoritative Research Handbook provides detailed insights into international bureaucracies, examining their diverse roles, powers and resources, as well as their implications for both national and international politics and policies. It acknowledges the crucial role of public administration in maintaining robust political systems, with a view to answering the question: to what extent and under what conditions may such administrative bodies exert influence on politics and policies?

Leading scholars review a broad body of existing literature, outlining how the effectiveness of international bureaucracies is profoundly shaped by the capacity of international bureaucracies to operate independently of member-state governments. They illustrate the extent and restraints of bureaucracies’ autonomy, covering key theories including bureaucratic politics, public service bargains, institutionalism, organization theory, organizational learning and social constructivism. Ultimately, the Research Handbook advances theoretical and empirical research in the field while establishing agendas for future study.

This is a necessary read for scholars and students of politics and public policy, particularly those in the fields of regulation and governance and public administration and management.