The impact on educational analysis of mainstream international relations (IR) theories is yet to realize its full potential. The problem of education in relation to the construction of world order is considered in relation to core developments in IR theory since the Second World War. In particular, the global architecture of education is seen as a…

The role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in shaping educational development has been considerable. For more than half a century, the scale and reach of UNDP education projects have been significant, yet have not been adequately researched. For both UNDP and its precursors, the evolution of policies for development and for…

The United Nations Children's Fund has rapidly gained prominence as a UN agency promoting educational development. Detailed analysis is presented of UNICEF's transition from being a supplier of emergency goods and services, to a humanitarian role that has diversified to embrace development assistance and promoting the rights of children and women.…

Contrasts the logic of globalization with that of internationalism (global pursuit of interest through unfettered capitalism versus promotion of global peace and well-being through international structures). Uses these frameworks to explore the policies of key international organizations in education (UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Bank). Contains 39…

Presents an institutional analysis of UNESCO's historical role in literacy education. Explains politics of international institutions. Describes how a series of concepts of literacy evolved, not through theoretical discussion, but by political compromise among superpowers. Describes UNESCO as limited by political priorities of economic and social…