The review by Jacob Katz Cogan discusses two books: "An International Relations Debacle" by Palley and "Rules for the World: International Organizations in Global Politics" by Michael Barnett and Martha Finnemore. In "An International Relations Debacle," Palley examines the Cyprus negotiations and the UN's role in them, highlighting the risks of accepting UN arbitration and the underutilization of legal arguments by Greek Cypriots. The reviewer finds the book well-written but dense, with valuable details and insights, and recommends it for its balanced perspective on the Cyprus issue. "Rules for the World" by Barnett and Finnemore challenges traditional views of international organizations (IOs) as mere tools of states, arguing that IOs are autonomous actors with their own agendas and power. The book explores how IOs, like bureaucracies, have authority, autonomy, and power, and how these characteristics can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. The authors provide case studies on the IMF, UNHCR, and UN peacekeeping, showing how IOs can expand beyond their mandates and face challenges such as pathology and change. The review concludes that the book is a significant contribution to understanding IOs and their role in global politics, though it acknowledges some limitations in the case studies.The review by Jacob Katz Cogan discusses two books: "An International Relations Debacle" by Palley and "Rules for the World: International Organizations in Global Politics" by Michael Barnett and Martha Finnemore. In "An International Relations Debacle," Palley examines the Cyprus negotiations and the UN's role in them, highlighting the risks of accepting UN arbitration and the underutilization of legal arguments by Greek Cypriots. The reviewer finds the book well-written but dense, with valuable details and insights, and recommends it for its balanced perspective on the Cyprus issue. "Rules for the World" by Barnett and Finnemore challenges traditional views of international organizations (IOs) as mere tools of states, arguing that IOs are autonomous actors with their own agendas and power. The book explores how IOs, like bureaucracies, have authority, autonomy, and power, and how these characteristics can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. The authors provide case studies on the IMF, UNHCR, and UN peacekeeping, showing how IOs can expand beyond their mandates and face challenges such as pathology and change. The review concludes that the book is a significant contribution to understanding IOs and their role in global politics, though it acknowledges some limitations in the case studies.