This paper addresses some of the general issues of international cooperation within the context of distance education. Examples of the types of international cooperation are introduced in order to explain some of the pitfalls that can occur when coordinating organizations on an international level. Extensive discussion is undertaken concerning international cooperation at the multilateral level to point out how the features of distance education can effectively benefit larger units of people and accelerate development through collaborative ventures, including arrangements involving aid agencies and developing countries or arrangements among nation states. It is concluded that, although economic factors, political influences, and a host of other mediating factors may directly affect the basis for cooperation at the international level (North-North, South-South, or North-South arrangements), the potential outcomes of such cooperation include an improved lifestyle for distance education students, increased literacy, and the encouragement of rapid growth and development in many developing countries. (8 references) (DB)