The OECD

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental organization with 29 member countries. More than simply a regional body, the OECD defines itself as "a homogeneous entity" within which member countries share similar economic and political ideologies. [4] Members include all EU states plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Australia,the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and New Zealand.

OECD decision-making happens within a "system of consensus building through peer pressure." [5] Essentially, this means that member countries ensure that other members stay in line with current OECD policy and direction. Much of this policy and direction is the product of various committees, which seek to "knit a web of compatible policies and practices across countries that are part of an ever more globalized world."

Although often described as an intergovernmental think tank, the OECD is in fact more than that. Member countries send experts and policy makers to join specialized groups and committees on approximately 200 subject areas. Such committee discussions often result in formal treaties and agreements in areas such as international investment, capital movements and environmental policy.

Read what the OECD says about itself at http: