Restless Citizens

Udoh Elijah Udom holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a juris doctor degree, a master of laws, and a Ph.D. in government. He joined the World Health Organization in 1984, holding senior legal and management positions. After retiring in 2004, he taught graduate level courses at Strayer University in law, public administration, and political science. He is currently campus dean of Strayer University, Nashville.

• Chapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Prologue Chapter 3 Acknowledgements Part 4 Part I Introduction Chapter 5 Chapter 1: Why I Wrote this Book Chapter 6 Chapter 2: Becoming an International Civil Servant Chapter 7 Chapter 3: Distressed Organizations Chapter 8 Chapter 4: Leadership Part 9 Part II Living with Insecurity Chapter 10 Chapter 5: Insecurity of Life at the Duty Station Chapter 11 Chapter 6: Insecurity of Personal Property Chapter 12 Chapter 7: Financial Insecurity Chapter 13 Chapter 8: Job Insecurity Chapter 14 Chapter 9: Locally Recruited Staff Chapter 15 Chapter 10: The Myth of Overprotection Part 16 Part III Effects of UN Assignment on Private Life Chapter 17 Chapter 11: The Single Life Chapter 18 Chapter 12: Parenting Part 19 Part IV Official Travel Chapter 20 Chapter 15: Working in Diversity Chapter 21 Chapter 16: Discrimination, Labeling, and Xenophobia Chapter 22 Chapter 17: Language Proficiency Chapter 23 Chapter 18: Change and Reform Chapter 24 Chapter 19: Health of UN Employees Chapter 25 Chapter 20: Deskilling Part 26 Part VI Life after the United Nations Chapter 27 Chapter 21: Retirement Chapter 28 Chapter 22 Statelessness Chapter 29 Chapter 23: Conclusion

The world is full of restless citizens and Dr. Udom in this eminently readable book paints the picture of international civil servants at the end of the twentieth century. The picture is sometimes gloomy and often exhilarating. The UN is a product of ourworld and not surprisingly it replicates the characteristics of our world. I have had the privilege of observing the international civil service from the perspective of an academic in African universities and have had the privilege of working within the system for nearly twenty years, but most importantly to observe the actors for more than a decade since retirement. The world has significantly changed but one thing is clear that the UN and its staff are necessary to the maintenance of international peace even if it is relative. I would recommend everyone to read this book, especially prospective, active, and retired servants of the non-existent world government.