This book shows how the first institution of global governance was conceived and operated. It provides a new assessment of its architect, Eric Drummond, the first Secretary-General of the League of Nations, appointed a century ago. The authors conclude that he stands in the front rank of the 12 men who have occupied the post of Secretary-General of the League or its successor, the UN. Part 1 describes his character and leadership. His influence in shaping the International Civil Service, the 'beating heart' of the League, is the subject of Part 2, which also shows how the young staff he appointed responded with imagination and creativity to the political, economic and social problems that followed World War I. Part 3 shows the influence of these early origins on today's global organizations and the large scale absorption of League policies, programmes, practices and staff into the UN and its Specialized Agencies.

Drawing on his extensive practical experience as an international civil servant in a number of organizations, Davies writes in a lively and readable manner about all aspects of administrative policy and its related implications. Divided into two parts, the first - Top down - will enable policy makers in government, academia and elsewhere who have an interest in the proper governance and management of international institutions to gain fresh insight into the topic. The second part - Bottom up - provides a substantial body of knowledge of administrations, including case studies of best and worse practice. The book includes analysis of: -The UN system -International Financial Institutions -Co-ordinated Organizations -Regional European Institutions -The Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research This is a work that fills a well-defined gap in organizational knowledge in a rigorous, but accessible way. It is essential reading for both practitioners and academics involved with international organizations.