Emergency Sex and Other Desperate Measures

Emergency Sex and Other Desperate Measures chronicles the experiences of three UN peacekeepers during the 1990s through their service in Cambodia, Somalia, Haiti, Rwanda, Liberia, and Bosnia. The memoir alternates between their three perspectives as they navigate humanitarian crises, bureaucratic challenges, and personal relationships. The authors - a human rights lawyer, a social worker, and a UN medical officer - document their initial idealism and subsequent transformations while working in conflict zones. Their accounts cover both their professional duties and their off-duty lives, including relationships formed under extreme circumstances. The book presents UN peacekeeping operations from the ground level, revealing the day-to-day realities faced by aid workers and the complexities of international intervention. Their stories intersect with major historical events of the 1990s as they witness the aftermath of genocide, civil war, and state collapse. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, resilience, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. Through their parallel journeys, the authors raise questions about the effectiveness of international aid and the personal toll of bearing witness to human suffering.

Readers describe this as a raw, unvarnished look at UN peacekeeping operations through the eyes of three aid workers. The memoir reveals dysfunction and corruption within humanitarian missions while maintaining focus on personal stories. Liked: - Honest portrayal of idealism giving way to reality - Vivid details of life in war zones - Clear explanations of complex political situations - Balance of three different perspectives - Dark humor throughout Disliked: - Some found the personal relationship details unnecessary - A few readers felt the authors came across as naive or self-centered - Critics note potential bias in portraying UN failures Ratings: Goodreads: 4.07/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (250+ ratings) "Couldn't put it down. Makes you question everything about humanitarian intervention." - Goodreads review "Important but uncomfortable truths about peacekeeping operations." - Amazon review "Too much focus on dating and personal drama." - LibraryThing review

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📖 The book caused significant controversy within the UN when published in 2004, as it exposed corruption, mismanagement, and ethical failures during peacekeeping missions 🌍 All three authors were fired or forced to leave their UN positions after the book's publication, though Andrew Thomson was later reinstated following public pressure 💉 Author Kenneth Cain went from being a Wall Street lawyer to a UN humanitarian worker after witnessing footage of starving children in Somalia ⚔️ The memoir covers crucial historical events including the Cambodian elections, the Rwandan genocide, and the collapse of Sierra Leone 🔍 The book's title comes from the authors' observation that UN workers often engaged in casual relationships during crisis situations as a way to cope with trauma and stress