'Ranking the World is a truly unique contribution - the 'top ranked' book of its kind since I cannot think of another quite like it. It is a must read for anyone interested in the increasingly important politics of rankings in international relations.' Peter Andreas, John Hay Professor of Political Science and International Studies, Brown University, Rhode Island 'Since the 1970s, ratings and rankings have become an ever-present feature of life in most developed and transitional societies. These ubiquitous measures reflect the 'powerful allure of the technocratic model of policy evaluation and performance accountability', write the editors of this outstanding collection of chapters unearthing the dark underbelly of ratings politics. Covering democracy, state failure, corruption, press freedom and investment, the various authors argue forcefully that, despite their methodological flaws, systematic biases and susceptibility to manipulation, ratings and rankings now cause political and economic change as much as reflect it. The use of simplistic numerical grades as substitutes for informed debate about policy priorities and effectiveness, outlined in this highly original and important book, should concern us all.' Stephen Hopgood, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London