Edited by Klaus Armingeon, Chair of Political Science and Director, Institute of Political Science, University of Berne, Switzerland and Michelle Beyeler, University of Bern, Switzerland

'. . . thanks to Klaus Armingeon and Michelle Beyeler the discussion on the role of the OECD in welfare policy has at last found a sound empirical basis. This is a very welcome contribution to a debate that is too often characterised by big claims and little evidence. . . this volume is highly recommended to all people interested in understanding the development and reform of the welfare state.'

• Contents: 1. Introduction: A Comparative Study of the OECD and European Welfare States 2. Multilateral Surveillance and the OECD: Playing the Idea Game 3. The OECD as a Scientific Authority? The OECD’s Influence on Danish Welfare Policies 4. Finland: Considering OECD Guidelines but Within National Institutional Settings 5. Norway: An Amenable Member of the OECD 6. International Organisations and Welfare States at Odds? The Case of Sweden 7. Belgium: Increasing Critique by the OECD 8. France: Moving Reluctantly in the OECD’s Direction 9. The Netherlands: How OECD Ideas are Slowly Creeping In 10. Too Many Rivals? The OECD’s Influence on German Welfare Policies 11. Little Contention: Switzerland and the OECD 12. OECD Views on Greek Welfare: Not European Enough 13. Italy’s Adaptation Under External Pressures: Whose Influence? 14. The OECD and the Reformulation of Spanish Social Policy: A Combined Search for Expansion and Rationalisation 15. Mutual Admiration? OECD Advice to the UK 16. Ireland: Disinterested Commentary, But How Effective? 17. OECD and National Welfare State Development Index