This is the first book to explore the varied, and often conflicting, interests involved in the formulation of international policies on pesticide manufacture and use. The use of pesticides involves questions of environmental pollution, trade, development, public health, food security, biotechnology and industrial safety. This readable and comprehensive volume examines international policies in each of these areas, and explains why some aspects of pesticide use are subject to strict international guidelines whilst others are not. The text breaks new ground in objectively examining competing perspectives on pesticides, highlighting the viewpoints of food producers and other pesticide users, pesticide producers, health officials, traders and the public. The author also considers how international rules systems emerge from such a divergent set of viewpoints. Finally, the April 1998 International Negotiating Committee"s conference is analysed, making this the most up-to-date book available on the subject. This will be essential reading for students and researchers in systems sciences, international relations, politics and environment, as well as policy makers.