Thomas Davies is Lecturer in International Politics at City University, London, where he researches and teaches transnational history and politics. He was previously a junior research fellow at St Antony's College, Oxford, and a Lecturer at St Catherine's and New College, Oxford.

"Davies has produced an important book. He brings the skills of an international historian to bear on some of the pressing questions of contemporary international politics. Davies has utilized an extraordinary range of sources to trace the emergence and development of international non-governmental organizations over time and in so doing he challenges many widely held views about the role and importance of these organizations. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned with the past, present and future of international NGOs.''--David Williams, School of Politics and International Relations, Queen Mary University London

"Thomas Davies' book is a game-changer in our understanding of the role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in international politics. Davies manages to present meticulous detail and scrupulous research in a highly readable book that confronts what we think we know about NGOs. The book not only demonstrates the complexities of NGO politics but shows the ability and limitations of such actors in shaping international affairs. There is so much in this book that it deserves to be read by all interested in international relations, politics, international development, history and sociology."--Sophie Harman, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Queen Mary University of London

"Thomas Davies has written a comprehensive and readable history of international non-governmental organizations and movements that is much needed. He rightly argues that transnational civil society has a long history (over two centuries) and is not only Western in origin. Based on primary sources and literature, this book is indispensable."--Bob Reinalda, Radboud University Nijmegen