The primary feature of is its role as a scathing political critique of the failures of the U.S. diplomatic corps during the Cold War . Published in 1958 by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick, the novel uses a series of interconnected vignettes to contrast the arrogance and cultural insensitivity of high-ranking American officials with the practical, grassroots efforts of humble, effective "do-gooders". Key Features and Themes