This course will examine the history and current vigorous debates about the role of multi-lateral institutions and initiatives since World War II, including the founding and operations of the United Nations in 1945, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in 1945, and the proliferation of UN specialized agencies and other multi-lateral organizations intended to perform specific functions from peacekeeping to development aid. The course will focus primarily on the role of multi-lateral institutions and frameworks theoretically intended to respond to the needs of developing countries. Students will study how the high expectations of these institutions have failed to be realized and have failed to evolve to meet contemporary needs such as climate change, human rights, and economic assistance.