ABSTRACT
While there are abundant references to the OECD's influence over global governance, the extent of that influence, and the mechanisms through which it arises are a matter of empirical and theoretical dispute. This chapter presents two accounts of the OECD's role and impact. The first, rooted in the rationalist literature, suggests the OECD is a weathervane whose knowledge foments cooperative ventures among states but which ultimately points in the direction dictated by the interests of the most powerful states. The second, anchored in the constructivist literature, suggests the OECD is a weather maker whose expert knowledge actively shapes the interests of states and the wider contours of global governance.
