This volume brings together both academic and institutional perspectives to examine the production, use and contestation of indicators in global governance. It provides a unique and comprehensive guide to the latest research in the study of indicators and their use in global governance and policy making. The editors provide a guide to the recent vast body of literature and practice on measuring governance and measurement as governance at the global level, and present a state-of-the-art analysis of social science research on indicators at both the transnational and the global level. The Handbook brings together scholars from a variety of disciplines and perspectives, as well as policy-makers from international organisations and non-government organisations working in the field. This volume will be a valuable resource for students and academics in the fields of public policy, administration and management, international relations, political science, law, and globalisation, as well as policy makers and practitioners.

“This Handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the ‘state of art’ in relation to indicators as part of the toolkit of global governance. Governing with numbers is pervasive. The authors adopt a welcome sophistication in approaching this topic by situating the discussion within a normative frame and by paying attention to questions of context and power.” (Brigid Laffan, Director and Professor at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute, Italy)

“Knowledge was an essential part of the making of the modern State and we judge governments by measuring and ranking them. Indicators — their collection, application, use, and comparison — are hence an essential part of global governance. But how to measure and compare the worldwide rule of law, integrity, good governance, stateness, institutional quality, government performance, sustainable development, or human rights? This groundbreaking, multiperspective and transdisciplinary book providesall that one needs to explore this new area.” (Sabino Cassese, Professor of Global Law, LUISS Guido Carli University, former judge of the Italian Constitutional Court and Emeritus Professor at the Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa)

Makes a distinct contribution to the understanding of indicators as policy instruments by bridging the gap between politics and techniques Offers new analytical reflections on whether indicators can provide answers to global governance priorities, and on whether such metrics impact on policy orientations at global and sub-global levels Incorporates the practice and experience of institutional actors, including global NGOs