The increasing significance of the OECD in the development of national education policies has received much attention in recent years. Although it is recognised that certain international agencies such as the OECD as key 'globalising agencies', have acquired the capacity to 'persuade' nation states towards certain policy priorities, little attention has been paid to making clear how these processes of persuasion may work.

This volume investigates such processes, drawing on a study of the relationship between the OECD and educational policy directions in Australia. It investigates the link between three elements of education policy - the nation state, the OECD, and globalisation. These links are explored through case studies in higher education and vocational education and training policy developments, drawing on the Australian experience. The book also generates questions about educational purposes and decision making in the contemporary contexts which have wider applicability.