Interventions: A Life in War and Peace - Softcover

Annan, Kofi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0141046503 ISBN 13: 9780141046501

Publisher: Penguin, 2013

Synopsis

Over forty years of service to the United Nations - the last ten as Secretary-General - Kofi Annan has been at the centre of the major geopolitical events of our time. As much a memoir as a guide to world order, INTERVENTIONS provides a unique, behind-the-scenes view of global diplomacy during one of the most tumultuous periods in UN history.

With eloquence and immediacy, Annan writes about the highs and lows of his years at the United Nations: from shuttle-diplomacy during crises such as Kosovo, Lebanon and Israel-Palestine to the wrenching battles over the Iraq War to the creation of the landmark Responsibility to Protect doctrine. He is remarkably candid about the organization's failed efforts, particularly in Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Ultimately, Annan shows readers a world where solutions are available, if we have the will and courage to see them through.

About this title

Review:

A fluent, compelling account... clear-eyed and honest... Annan emerges as an effective and charismatic embodiment of the UN's ideals (The Times)

A taut and timely memoir... Annan and his co-author, Nader Mousavizadeh, a former aide, embody the UN at its idealistic and yet level-headed best (Alec Russell Financial Times)

Annan doesn't shy away from admitting that he made mistakes, or that the UN needs to reform its outdated administrative structures. Yet he mounts a passionate, impressive defence of the organisation... The UN may be imperfect, but this powerful memoir shows that it is vital (Ian Critchley Sunday Times)

In this thought-provoking new memoir, Kofi Annan describes the peaceful and more equitable world that is within our grasp, and offers his candid perspective on the challenges we must overcome to get there. Interventions is a powerful reminder that the United Nations still matters - and must continue to matter if we want our new century to be more free, peaceful and prosperous than the last (Bill Clinton)

Kofi Annan is a great global leader of our time. This wonderful book gives the readers a lucid and enjoyable understanding of the kind of reasoning and commitment that has made Annan such a force for good in the troubled world in which we live. (Amartya Sen)

Kofi Annan has been a powerful voice for the poor and a tireless advocate for peace. As a catalyst for international security and human rights, Annan reminds us that we, as a global community, are more alike than different. His life's work demonstrates what is possible when we focus on the universal values of equality, tolerance and human dignity (Bill Gates)

Written as part autobiography, part history lesson, [Interventions] is infused with Mr. Annan's accounts of private encounters with world leaders (The New York Times)

About the Author:

Kofi Annan was the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations - serving two terms between 1997 and 2006. In 2001 Annan and the United Nations were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace with the citation praising his leadership for "bringing new life to the organization." Born in Ghana in 1938, Annan is the first sub-Saharan African to hold the post of Secretary-General.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0141046503
• ISBN 13: 9780141046501
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400