Description
Book SynopsisThis book uses the history of the struggle to eradicate rinderpest to expand our understanding of development and international relations in the twentieth century. It highlights the vital role that UN agencies played in development during the twentieth century, focusing on foreign relations and diplomatic history and global health policy.
Trade Review'In her innovative, engaging, and deeply-researched book, Amanda Kay McVety brilliantly recounts the history of Rinderpest and the international struggle to contain it. Putting biology and the environment at the center of postwar history, her book makes a valuable contribution to the study of twentieth-century internationalism(s) and global development.' Julia F. Irwin, University of South Florida, author of Making the World Safe: The American Red Cross and a Nation's Humanitarian Awakening
'A compelling, surprising, and elegantly written account of the disease that drew the world together. You'll never feel safe around cows again.' Daniel Immerwahr, Northwestern University, Illinois,author of Thinking Small: The United States and the Lure of Community Development
'The book incorporates a broad array of primary sources, including archives from multiple countries and interviews with family and colleagues of scientific protagonists … compellingly written …' Susan D. Jones, The Journal of American History
'McVety has a lively style, and her evident enthusiasm for 'the idea of an international community united by shared hopes and fears' is engaging …' John Landers, American Historical Review
'The main strength of the book is the way in which McVety integrates the history of vaccine research with a broader and perceptive critique of the role of non-human actors in this story. In particular, the book provides a valuable insight into the interrelated issues of the development of scientific internationalism and national security …' John Martin, Agricultural History Review
'This is a very timely book, told in a masterful way.' Alain Touwaide, Doody's Reviews
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Rinderpest and the origins of international vooperation for disease control; 2. GIR-1: rinderpest in World War II; 3. 'Freedom from want': UNRRA's rinderpest campaigns; 4. The machinery of development: FAO's rinderpest campaigns; 5. Back to Grosse Île: biological warfare in the postwar world; 6. 'Freedom from rinderpest'; Conclusion.
