Cooperatives contribute significantly to economic and social development in virtually all countries of the world. They not only create and maintain employment, cooperatives also pave the way for broader social and economic advancement. Their resilience to crises and their characteristics as principles-based enterprises are increasingly drawing the attention of governments, policy-makers and citizens around the world. This updated edition of Guidelines addresses the rationale for cooperative law. It provides a review of issues that will help lawmakers and other cooperative stakeholders explain