The influence of the OECD

The OECD, formerly known as the OEEC, was formed from the Marshall Plan. Its initial aim was to co-ordinate the distribution of aid to post-war Europe. In the 1960s, it became an influential tool used by Americans and was similar, economically, to NATO. It almost ceased to exist when member states decided to abandon Keynesian policies. In an attempt to continue, it suffered a resounding defeat over the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). Nonetheless, its reports which are prepared by its 200 committees and 50,000 civil service employees are still highly regarded. 30 % of its budget currently comes from voluntary contributions corresponding to specific orders from certain member states. Recently, more than 30 countries have applied for membership of the OECD. Should the OECD give priority to the co-ordination of globalisation and favour important emerging countries, or should it keep its educational emphasis and also encourage the membership of small countries ?