This paper addresses the role of the World Bank in improving governance, strengthening civil society, and protecting human rights. Historically, the Bank’s perspective on these issues has reflected a narrow economic view of development that largely neglects social and political factors. This view of development is deeply entrenched in the Bank, reflecting the collective interests of the member governments as memorialized in the Bank’s Articles of Agreement, which prohibit the consideration of noneconomic issues in carrying out Bank activities. The Bank’s definition of what is or is not an “economic” factor is evolving in welcome directions, but still lacks clarity and systematic application. There is also no consensus among the Board of Executive Directors to address governance, civil society and human rights issues proactively, nor do many borrowing governments see these issues as priorities for economic development.