This book opens up the black-box of the UN Global Compact ' the archetypical corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative anchored within the United Nations. It appraises the ten-year history, governance, and engagement mechanisms of this unique UN initiative. Building on extensive empirical research, the work provides a concise introduction to the inner workings and effects of the UN Global Compact, and appraises the key debates surrounding the initiative.Providing a unique and much needed examination of this significant initiative, Gregoratti seeks to provide an independent view on the success of the Compact, disentangling the key criticisms and current debates surrounding the initiative. The work also seeks to highlight that the Compact is currently at a crossroads, and continues to suffer from significant legitimacy challenges which must be confronted in order to meet its original aspirations.The book will be of interest to students and researchers of international political economy and international organizations, as well as NGOs and trade unions interested in corporate accountability.