'Questions relating to international labour standards havebeen the subject of much controversy and research as several unionsand some rich-country governments have sought to advance themthrough sanctions while most poor-country governments and someimportant and sizeable democratic unions in them have opposed this. This volume is an important and timely contribution to this debate, providing scholarly and penetrating research to illuminate theissues at stake. It is a classic that must be studied by everyoneengaged in this debate.' Jagdish Bhagwati, ColumbiaUniversity 'International Labor Standards is an extremelyvaluable and wide-ranging introduction to current debates overlabor standards. The book gives a detailed history of standards; abroad and even-handed view of economic arguments for and againststandards; and serious discussion of the problem of child labor.[It] concludes with an intriguing analysis of the potential role ofthe World Trade Organization in helping to raise standards. Inplace of the vitriole and rhetoric that the debate over standardsall too often degenerates into, this volume is a seriousinvestigation of what we know and do not know in this area.'Richard Freeman, London School of Economics 'This impressive book brings together some of the bestresearch on the important and controversial topic of internationallabor standards. The contributions are illuminating andprovocative, and they provide a valuable scientific foundation forpolicy debates.' Kyle Bagwell, Columbia University