The Absolutely Indispensable Man could not be more timely. Kal Raustiala weaves together absorbing stories of Ralph Bunche's life against the complex backdrop of race, global power politics, and the building of the 20th century international order. At a time when the future of that order is in question and issues of white supremacy roil both domestic and international politics, this book is lively, illuminating, and important.
Kal Raustiala is the Promise Professor of Comparative and International Law & Director of the Ronald W. Burkle Center for International Relations at UCLA.