Introduction: What Rules for the World Economy?

This book is a contribution to the debate about one of the most important public issues at the turn of the millennium: the institutions and rules which are to govern the world economy. This impinges directly on the kinds of livelihoods, welfare systems, social protections, goods and services, culture and environment which people all over the world might enjoy. Our focus is the regulation of international business and international investment flows, which has become the subject of increasing public debate and concern in recent years. This book explores positive new regulatory approaches aimed at poverty reduction and sustainable development.