As corporate activity continues to expand in line with the continued globalization of the economy there is an increasing demand for establishing rules to regulate the trans-boundary activities of firms and their many and complex relations with consumers. Until now, sources of knowledge in this field have been scattered and unsystematic and this volume fills a key gap in current literature, providing a concise and accessible introduction to the role of global consumer organizations.

The book:

• Provides an historical overview that traces the early attempts made before WWII to formulate elements of global consumer policy, highlighting key issues and initiatives up until the 1980s.

• Outlines the groups of organizations that are responsible for dealing with consumer issues in areas such as trade and development, socio-economics and the environment, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and World Bank.

• Analyses the group of special intergovernmental organizations that address the problems of specific consumer segments, industries and service-providers, including the World Health Organization, International Telecommunication Union and World Tourism Organization.

• Evaluates both current and future challenges and dilemmas facing consumer organizations, including addressing the continued issues of coordination between them.

Providing a much-needed overview of this key area in international organization, Global Consumer Organizations will be of interest to students and scholars in a range of areas, including international political economy, consumer behaviour, international organizations, economic policy and consumer behaviour.