Bread And Stones: Leadership and the Struggle to Reform the United Nations World Food Program [Paperback]

James Ingram (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2006

Bread and Stones is an account of successful United Nations reform by a former Executive Director of the World Food Programme. The WFP stands out as thoroughly professional and effective among the tangle of weak organizations that makes up the dysfunctional United Nations system. Based on the author's diaries, Bread and Stones give a unique 'insiders,'warts and all' look into the inner workings of the system. Though unusually candid about personalities, this memoir is factual and analytical. It has been written to record an important episode in UN history, to provide a lively case study of the obstacles to reform and to serve as valuable source material for all students of international organization. The strategies that can lead to successful reform are identified. Despite their criticisms governments give weak and inconsistent leadership. Strong, far sighted leadership by governments and agency heads is needed if the vested interests of both are to be overcome.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'...exposes, as no other writer before,...the ferocity of interagency politics in the UN...has significantly enhanced...understanding of how the UN system really works...not simply a gem:it is a classic.' -- Diplomatic Bulletin, Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy, Australian National University, Vol3,no.1 June 2007

".... a unique book in the annals of the UN system...a valuable personal account." -- Develoment Policy Review, 2007, 25 (3), pages 383-385.

"...shows the intense manoeuvring to reform the WFP into the world's largest humanitarian aid agency." -- Weekend Australian Review, February 10-11,2007, page 12

From the Inside Flap

"Eyes normally glaze over with the mention of UN 'reform'. Rather than abandoning hope, we should take heart from Ingram's masterful depiction of intrigue, obstacles, and change at the World Food Programme during his tenure at its helm. Whether you're interested in understanding domestic and international politics, improving international organizations, combating hunger and poverty, or merely a good read, Bread and Stones is required reading." Thomas G. Weiss, Presidential Professor of Political Science, The Graduate Centre, The City University of New York.

"Bread and Stones is a unique and compelling account of reform in the UN system. James Ingram unveils his perspective and conclusions regarding the decade long episode of the transformation of the World Food Programme into an effective independent body... better able to serve tasks for which its member states and their citizens expected. I especially commend the books's lessons for providing insight into contemporary organizational issues facing the United Nations." Raymond F. Hopkins, Richter Professor of Political Science, Swarthmore College.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (November 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141964470X
• ISBN-13: 978-1419644702
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,538,043 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)