21 - Master of Life and Death by Robert Silverberg

When Roy Walton is thrust into the role of director of the UN division of population control following the shocking assassination of his predecessor, he finds himself at the center of global controversy. As the worlds most reviled man, Roys new responsibilities extend beyond mere population management; he becomes entangled in a groundbreaking terraforming project on Venus and high-stakes negotiations with extraterrestrial beings. With threats to his life emerging from all sides, Roy must adapt quickly to navigate this treacherous landscape and embrace his role as The Master of Life and Death. Summary by Dale Grothman.