Governance in World Affairs

Although there is no single, overarching theme or argument in the book, it abounds with ideas and insights, and can perhaps be most fruitfully read for its compendium of novel approaches to the study of regimes-approaches that at times suggest not only new research questions, but even entire research programs.

Oran Young starts this interesting book with a question: 'What is to be done in the face of the apparent gap between the demand for governance and the supply of governance at the international level?' Anyone wanting a broad review of the 'state of the art' on international regimes should read this book. It will be the foundation for further development of this field.

Oran Young's Governance in World Affairs is the culmination of the author's long-term interest into regimes and is intended as a comprehensive statement of the regime theoretic approach to global governance. In this, he clearly succeeds. Young's deep knowledge of the subject and his ability to convey this in an easily digestible manner are patently clear from the outset. The discussion is impressive in terms of its range, thoughtfulness, and at times the amount of critical distance between author and subject. The book takes the reader through the key debates that have emerged in relation to regime theory, seeks to gently disarm critics, build upon the work of fellow travellers, and both acknowledge and probe beyond what he regards as the limits of regimes analysis.

This volume is the culmination of a long-term research project on the theoretical underpinnings of an emerging global governance regime.... Highly recommended for all college and university libraries.

Young is generous and patient, to a fault, with his critics. He graciously acknowledges the claims of constructivist critics, even when their... assaults manage merely to restate the blindingly obvious while murdering the English language.

Young's book is a welcome addition to some other regime studies...