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Published: 30th October 2012

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British post-imperial decline has been much examined. In these memoirs, David Hannay, one of Britain's leading behind-the-scenes players in this process, provides fascinating frontline information and insights into Britain's complex relations with Washington and Europe. From his early career in the Middle East to his role as a top diplomat, Hannay presents a detailed and authoritative narrative of British foreign policy in the second half of the 20th Century. A key player in European policy-making, he was directly involved in bringing about the UK's entry into the European Community, as well as being closely involved in the Annan plan while he was the UK's Special Representative in Cyprus. Hannay illuminates vital themes in the early relationship between Britain and the EU that are increasingly relevant today: British membership, EU enlargement and Britain's contribution to the European budget. His qualification to discuss Europe is unparalleled, made apparent by Margaret Thatcher's veto of his appointment as Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office and Head of the Diplomatic service as she thought him "too European". From the complex relations between Margaret Thatcher and her diplomatic establishment to Britain's decisions leading up to the 1970s oil supply crisis, Hannay analyses the causes and consequences of major British foreign policy decisions over the past 50 years. Hannay presents to readers the inner workings of key international institutions - the FCO, the EU and the UN - against the backdrop of major historical and political events, from the aftermath of the Suez crisis to 9/11 and beyond. An informed and balanced ringside view of diplomatic history over 50 years, this book will fascinate general readers and prove essential reading for specialists.

This book has remarkable insights into how the European Union works and has evolved. It also has trenchant comments, not always comfortable to hear, on British foreign policy over the last fifty years. Whether one is a Europhile or a Eurosceptic, this is a book one will benefit from reading. - Sir Malcolm Rifkind, MP, Foreign Secretary 1995-1997 David Hannay is a wise man of the world. This book tells you where he got his wisdom. - David Miliband, MP, Foreign Secretary 2007-2010 I welcome this book as a gripping first-hand account and analysis of contemporary history - founded upon, and well illustrated by, an abundance of perceptive personality profiles. - Lord Howe of Aberavon, Foreign Secretary 1983-1989 Lord Hannay, one of Britain's most distinguished and intellectually sharp public servants of the last 50 years, has written a wise and perceptive account of the major international issues of the period, in many of which he had been personally involved. Anyone who cares about the credibility of UK policy and Britain's ability still to define and pursue its national interest will enjoy and profit from these memoirs. - Lord Patten of Barnes, Chairman of the BBC Trust One could argue that today the two most important positions in the British Foreign Service are to lead our delegations at the EU and at the UN. Both posts need a clear, quick, unfussed mind and the ability to communicate thoughts in public. As Foreign Secretary I was glad to have David Hannay holding both these posts in succession. His book shows him at work in Brussels and then in New York. He tells us much about the working of both institutions. It can be warmly recommended to anyone with an interest in foreign affairs. - Lord Hurd of Westwell, Foreign Secretary 1989-1995

ISBN: 9781780760568
ISBN-10: 1780760566
Audience: General
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 320
Published: 30th October 2012
Dimensions (cm): 21.6 x 13.4  x 2.8
Weight (kg): 0.454