Some commentators have predicted that the developed welfare states may have to cut back on social protection in the face of international economic competition. Concerns have also been expressed about 'social dumping' and a 'race to the bottom'. This book addresses the following issues: - What does theory tell us about such claims? - Is there empirical evidence pointing to any form of social dumping? - Are welfare states converging? - What kind of international cooperation, if any, is necessary to safeguard developed welfare states while at the same time enhancing social protection in the less developed ones? - What can be learned from existing models of cooperation within federal states, within the European Union, and between other international organisations?