The declaration of 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives by the general assembly of the United Nations highlights co-operative contributions to socio-economic development. Since its inception the co-operative movement included highly diverse co-operatives, with different aims, governance and financial structures. This is exemplified by differences between Western and Chinese cooperative traditions. Important economic and social transformations have led to radical innovations in the governance and capital structures of cooperatives, both in the West and in China, have been observed. Differences may remain but interesting convergences are also apparent. To date, little dialogue has taken place between Chinese and Western cooperatives. This book aims to contribute to our understanding of both those worlds and provides scholars, co-operative leaders and policy makers with relevant and useful information for further development of both Chinese and Western cooperatives.