Peacemaker

A new history of the turbulent 1960s told through the life of U Thant, the first UN secretary-general of color, whose decisions once shaped global war and peace. From the moment of his predecessor’s mysterious death in 1961, Thant faced crises in Congo, Yemen, Cyprus, Nigeria, and India–Pakistan, and played a pivotal, largely hidden role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in steering superpowers away from nuclear confrontation. Drawing on newly declassified documents, the author, Thant Myint-U, presents how his gentle yet determined approach sought to decolonize global power, advocate for a fairer international economy, and safeguard the environment. The narrative frames U Thant not as a relic of idealism, but as a central figure shaping today’s understanding of world affairs.

The book situates the UN at the heart of the era, highlighting how African and Asian nations asserted dignity on the world stage and how Thant’s leadership challenged Washington over the Vietnam War. It offers a portrait of a diplomat who aimed to give voice to the newly independent world while navigating Cold War tensions, with consequences that resonate in our current global crisis.

Pages: 384, Hardcover, W. W. Norton & Company

Features

• Life of U Thant as lens on the 1960s
• First non-Western UN secretary-general
• Based on newly declassified documents
• Covers Congo, Yemen, Cyprus, Nigeria, India–Pakistan
• Cuban Missile Crisis role in easing tensions
• Advocates peace, decolonization, fairer economy, environment