In 2009, the International Labour Organization (ILO) celebrated its ninetieth anniversary. The First World War and the revolutionary wave it provoked in Russia and elsewhere were powerful inspirations for the founding of the ILO. There was a growing understanding that social justice, in particular by improving labour conditions, was an essential precondition for universal peace. Since then, the ILO has seen successes and set-backs; it has been ridiculed and praised. Much has been written about the ILO; there are semi-official histories and some critical studies on the organization's history have recently been published. Yet, further source-based critical and comprehensive analyses of the organization's origins and development are still lacking. The present collection of eighteen essays is an attempt to change this unsatisfactory situation by complementing those histories that already exist, exploring new topics, and offering new perspectives. It is guided by the observation that the ILO's history is not primarily about «elaborating beautiful texts and collecting impressive instruments for ratification» but about effecting «real change and more happiness in peoples' lives».

This book is the first comprehensive account of the International Labour Organization’s 100-year history. At its heart is the concept of global social policy, which encompasses not only social policy in its national and international dimensions, but also development policy, world trade, international migration and human rights. The book focuses on the ILO’s roles as a key player in debates on poverty, social justice, wealth distribution and social mobility subjects and as a global forum for addressing these issues. The study puts in perspective the manifold ways in which the ILO has helped structure these debates and has made – through its standard-setting, technical cooperation and myriad other activities – practical contributions to the world of work and to global social policy.

The first comprehensive and authoritative history of work and labour in Africa; a key text for all working on African Studies and Labour History worldwide.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is broadening its agenda and carving out a role as a key player in global economic policy-making, and this volume provides a succinct and comprehensive guide to this important organization. By charting the history and development of the ILO and examining its key functions and structure the authors offer a clear and detailed account of its work, and provide an important discussion of the current criticisms and debates that surround the organization. The work moves on to discuss the position that the ILO takes in our understanding of global governance and seeks to evaluate the impact of emerging issues such as the global economic crisis, and critically examines the future direction of the organization. This fresh and accessible account of the International Labour Organization provides an excellent understanding of its purpose and structure and will be of interest to all students of international politics, international organizations and international political economy.

Recounts through the examination of a selected number of situations, the problems that the ILO faced, and faces.

This book tells the ILO's story in over 100 evocative and compelling photographs, many from the ILO archives. The accompanying narrative offers insights and revelations about the origins of the ILO and its creation in 1919, followed by a decade by decade account of the years leading up to its Centenary in 2019. A must-have for anyone with ties to the ILO or attracted by its history

This updated and enhanced second edition of History and International Relations charts the foundations, development and use of International Relations from a historian's perspective. Exploring its engagement with the history of war, peace and foreign relations this volume provides an account of international relations from both western and non-western perspectives, its historical evolution and its contemporary practice. Examining the origin of dominant IR theories, exploring key moments in the history of war and peace that shaped the discipline, and analysing the Eurocentric nature of current theory and practice, Malchow provides a full account of the relationship between history and IR from the ancient world to modern times. To bring it up to the present day and provide new ways for students to grasp the history of IR, this new edition includes: -An updated final chapter reflecting on the practice of IR in a post 9/11 world -New scholarship and sources in IR practice and theory published since 2015 -A time line charting the evolution of International Relations as a discipline -A new glossary of terms -Expanded section on IR theory and practice in the ancient world and early Christian era -Greater incorporation of IR practice and theory in non-western ancient, medieval and modern worlds History and International Relations is essential reading for anyone looking to understand international relations, diplomacy and times of war and peace in a historical context.