The stark Cold War simplicity of a world divided into two opposing blocks has ended. In its place, a plethora of organizations, groups and bodies jostle for attention in the international arena. EU, OPEC, NAFTA, WEU, OECD - the world is drowning in an alphabet soup of international organizations. This work attempts to analyze their significance, structure and history. In 18 detailed chapters, this work lists every major world organization covering the entire subject from aid agencies to women's organizations. Full details of each organization are given - its leading staff, budget and resources, aims and current involvement in world issues. What is the difference between the European Court of Justice, the International Court at the Hague and the Court of Human Rights at Strasbourg? When did the UN move from peace-keeping to peace-making? Do aid agencies ease or exacerbate Third World problems? Is NATO redundant in the post Cold War world or the lynchpin of Western security?