This insightful book examines the evolution of institutions and governance across the globe. Kendall Stiles claims that the majority of political rules, principles and institutions have and continue to be established to fulfill the aims of the great powers of the day.Chapters assess how rule creation and rule enforcement are informed by great power politics and power transitions across key time periods, from Absolutism to the Post-Hegemony. Stiles evaluates how factors including ideology and technology influence governance issues such as warfare, trade and migration. Looking to the future, the book demonstrates how global governance arrangements can be predicted if attention is paid to the priorities and values of great powers.Understanding Global Governance is a crucial resource for students and scholars of international relations, politics and public policy, geography and international law. It is also beneficial to practitioners in international organizations seeking a deeper understanding of the historical and geographical contexts that shape political frameworks today.