After World War II ended in 1945, the world seemed smaller, more connected. World leaders decided that a lasting peace could only be achieved through an international economic order. Unrestricted global trade, leading to economic prosperity for all, would be the best way to bring nations together. Since then, global trade has become more and more complicated. Geographical regions, particular product and manufacturing sectors, and countries at different levels of economic development search for advantages in the competition for market share. To advance their needs, organizations have been created to provide training and technical assistance, bargaining power in global negotiations, and legal enforcement of multinational trade agreements. These organizations have shaped the evolution of global economics and will continue to have a significant influence over global trade in the future. Each title in this series contains color photos throughout, maps, and back matter including: a chronology, a detailed index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.