This book is based on a simple concept: no one is in a better position to hold a government accountable than those it governs. Yet, when governments fail to meet the needs of their citizens, the international community often turns to large organizations such as the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank. These external researchers have the resources and expertise to analyze and advise on issues of accountability and transparency, but where do they go when the time comes to implement new policies? And can they really have a more nuanced understanding of the country's problems than its own citizens? This insightful book proposes that the international community's efforts to improve governance would be more effective if it collaborated with local independent monitoring organizations (IMOs). The authors track the work of 16 IMOs from across the developing world, demonstrating how these small groups of local researchers produce thoughtful analysis and workable solutions. They achieve these results because they are citizens and can more effectively discern problems with governance and communicate with their fellow citizens about the ideals and methods of good governance. Yet the book also outlines some of the disadvantages these organizations face - such as lack of resources, access to data, and influence with high government officials - which is precisely why collaboration with international organizations could help to strengthen them and speed up the improvement of governance from the ground up.