Backstabbing for Beginners: My Crash Course in International Diplomacy

Backstabbing for Beginners: My Crash Course in International Diplomacy is the true story of Michael Soussan during his time as a UN Food for Oil Program Coordinator.

Witty and enthralling, you will not want to put this book down. The book, obviously written by an insider, is severely critical of the UN. It paints a bleak picture of the political infighting that can debilitate the UN. The power players save face by "passing the buck," essentially shirking responsibility on projects to avoid having to make difficult decisions.

As someone who knows little about the UN, I was very surprised at the level of corruption involved with the UN Food for Oil Program. I was appalled to find that France, Russia, and other nations were accepting millions in bribes from Sadam Houssein. Soussan paints a bleak picture of the United Nations but the overlying theme is that of hope, change, and achieving greater good no matter what the odds.

This truly is a must read. Soussan's style keeps you wanting more. You will want to stay up later (or lay out on the beach longer, in my case) to finish this enthralling piece.