This book aims to evaluate factors that account for violations of labor standards in developing countries. The study directs the focus of analysis on three major explanations for non-compliance: (1) domestic regime type and capacity, (2) economic constraints, and (3) the existence of a regional labor standard and human rights regime. Based on four international relations perspectives (realism, liberalism, rational institutionalism and constructivism), the investigation shows that non-compliance is not a result of lacking regulatory and economic capacity. Labor standards are feared since they might politicize workers and thus endanger political power. A higher degree of regional implementation of labor standards is associated with a higher degree of domestic labor standard compliance.