"The Global Social Policy Reader" collects together for the first time a comprehensive range of key papers by international leaders in the field from a wide range of sources that explain the concepts, actors and processes that constitute global social policy. It covers the emergence of global social policy as a dynamic and expanding field of study and practice, the transformation of welfare from a predominantly national to a global field of action, and the impact of globalization on key welfare discourses and governance mechanisms. This original "Reader" features an introductory chapter by the editors and specially-written comments at the start of each of the sections, which, together with the main readings, provide a comprehensive and accessible guide to the key themes, issues and debates in global social policy. Designed to complement "The Policy Press' Understanding Global Social Policy (2008, edited by Nicola Yeates)", the "Reader" will have broad appeal among undergraduate and postgraduate students in a range of social science subjects, including social and public policy, social care and health studies, sociology, politics, economics, international relations and development studies. The volume will also be of interest to policy activists and policy makers at national and international levels, and to those involved in the planning and delivery of social welfare services and programmes in national and international organisations.