This volume covers the various activities and roles performed by the World Bank and its affiliated agencies. It describes in detail how this group of institutions has emerged as a primary source of international public policy far beyond what was originally envisaged by the drafters of their Articles of Agreement. The author analyzes how the role of this important institution has evolved and articulates the innovative approaches it has followed in adapting its constituent agreement to the changing and growing needs of its members. For the specialist in international law and international development, the book provides an expert analysis from the perspective of an insider who deals with legal and developmental issues on a daily basis. For the general public, it provides information about an institution that has not always been seen as open to outsiders.