This seminar examines the role of international organizations as a tool to manage global problems. We will review international relations theories that account for why states establish institutions and assess the effectiveness of specific organizations to improve policy outcomes as well as explore their legitimacy within society.  In light of the backlash against these institutions that can be seen in the Brexit vote and U.S. rejection of new international trade agreements, what is their role going forward? The scope of organizations that we examine will range across issue areas in security, economic, and human affairs. We will consider how selection effects and indirect influence present challenges to research on the effectiveness of international organizations. Through analysis of a variety of sources, including negotiation archives and quantitative measures of policy outcomes, students will be encouraged to probe the conditions under which international organizations promote cooperation.