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Emergency Sex and Other Desperate Measures: True Stories from a War Zone
What it’s really like on the frontline of humanitarian aid.
It's the early 1990s and three young people are looking to change their lives, and perhaps also the world. Attracted to the ambitious global peacekeeping work of the UN, Andrew, Ken and Heidi's paths cross in Cambodia, from where their fates are to become inextricably bound. Over the coming years, their stories interweave through countries such as Rwanda, Bosnia, Somalia and Haiti - war-torn, lawless places where the intervention of the UN is needed like nowhere else. Driven by idealism, the three struggle to do the best they can, caught up in an increasingly tangled web of bureaucracy and ineffectual leadership. As disillusionment sets in, they attempt to keep hold of their humanity through black humour, revelry and 'emergency sex'.
Brutal and moving in equal measure, Emergency Sex (And Other Desperate Measures) explores pressing global issues while never losing a sense of the personal. Deeply critical of the West's indifference to developing countries and the UN's repeated failure to intervene decisively, the book provoked massive controversy on its initial publication. Kofi Annan called for the book to be banned, and debate was sparked about the future direction of the UN. Brilliantly written and mordantly funny, it is a book that continues to make waves.
It's the early 1990s and three young people are looking to change their lives, and perhaps also the world. Attracted to the ambitious global peacekeeping work of the UN, Andrew, Ken and Heidi's paths cross in Cambodia, from where their fates are to become inextricably bound. Over the coming years, their stories interweave through countries such as Rwanda, Bosnia, Somalia and Haiti - war-torn, lawless places where the intervention of the UN is needed like nowhere else. Driven by idealism, the three struggle to do the best they can, caught up in an increasingly tangled web of bureaucracy and ineffectual leadership. As disillusionment sets in, they attempt to keep hold of their humanity through black humour, revelry and 'emergency sex'.
Brutal and moving in equal measure, Emergency Sex (And Other Desperate Measures) explores pressing global issues while never losing a sense of the personal. Deeply critical of the West's indifference to developing countries and the UN's repeated failure to intervene decisively, the book provoked massive controversy on its initial publication. Kofi Annan called for the book to be banned, and debate was sparked about the future direction of the UN. Brilliantly written and mordantly funny, it is a book that continues to make waves.
- GenresPolitics
Paperback
Published October 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 13, 2025
I need to stop reading books about working in humanitarian aid because despite the authors writing about how insanely difficult it is, I always end up wanting to quit my current corporate job and start working in humanitarian aid.
July 15, 2025
I see why Chuck wanted us all to read this during our peacebuilding classes, I only wish he was still here to discuss it with us. An incredibly validating and cathartic read for anyone attempting to create a more peaceful world.
August 10, 2025
Un libro que muestra de una forma muy natural y cotidiana el trabajo del cuerpo de la ONU en los conflictos políticos y armados en los que intervienen y como se entrelazan esos asuntos de Alto Estado con las preocupaciones personales y humanas como el amor, el cuidado o el sexo.
May 18, 2025
So glad I read this
September 14, 2025
One of of my top 5 books
October 24, 2025
Everyone must read this book
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews