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International Studies Research Guide

International Studies

International organizations and actors

This page has links to only  a few of the hundreds and thousands of governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations that influence and act on the international stage. The statistics and reports that many of these bodies produce can be an invaluable resource on specific topics - and their jobs pages are also a great place to look at ways to get into a specific field or organization!

Government Sources

Think Tanks & Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

United Nations Resources

United Nations: un.org

UN Development Reports

State of World Population (United Nations Population Fund) Annual report, each with a thematic emphasis.

United Nations World Water Development Report (UNESCO) Triennial report representing a collaboration between 24 UN agencies and convention secretariats that provides a comprehensive review of the state of the world's freshwater resources and tools and policies needed to implement sustainable use of water.

World Development Report (World Bank) Annual (print copy available in HC 59.7 W659; latest year in Reference) Annual report on development progress that reviews the economic, social and environmental state of the world. Each year the report provides an in-depth analysis of a specific topic. The last section includes indicators for 150 countries selected from the complementary publication entitled World Development Indicators.

World Economic and Social Survey (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs) Annual report that provides an objective analysis of long-term social and economic development issues, and discusses the positive and negative impact of corresponding policies.

World Economic Situation and Prospects (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs) Annual analysis of current developments in the world economy and emerging policy issues.

Directories of Development Organizations

Directory of Development Organizations (Bert Wesselink) This "resource guide to development organizations and the internet" lists over 47,000 organizations. The directory is organized into eight regions and then subdivided by country. Brief entries for each organization include contact information, including email address and web page if available; and type of organization.

Organizations (Chr. Michelsen Institute) Includes links to major development agencies, institutions and international organizations relevant to development studies.

Resources Directory for Development and Relief NGOs (Oxfam) 1995 (Ref HV 589 E23 1995 Vol. 3 of the Oxfam Handbook of Development and Relief ) Lists Southern NGOs, international NGOs in OECD countries, official development agencies in OECD countries, and UN and other inter-governmental organizations.