Robin Renwick Livres

The book provides a detailed insider's perspective on the negotiations that concluded the Rhodesia conflict, highlighting the complexities of diplomatic efforts during this turbulent period. It also examines the significant role played by Britain in South Africa, particularly in the lead-up to Nelson Mandela's release. Through firsthand accounts, the narrative sheds light on the political dynamics and key figures involved in these pivotal events, offering a nuanced understanding of the historical context and implications for the region.

On 2 February 1990, FW de Klerk made a speech that changed the history of South Africa. Nine days later, the world watched as Nelson Mandela walked free from the Viktor Verster prison. In the midst of these events was Lord Renwick, Margaret Thatcher's envoy to South Africa, who became a personal friend of Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk and Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, acting as a trusted intermediary between them. He warned PW Botha against military attacks on neighbouring countries, in meetings he likens to 'calling on the führer in his bunker'. He invited Mandela to his first meal in a restaurant for twenty-seven years, rehearsing him for his meeting with Margaret Thatcher - and told Thatcher that she must not interrupt him. Their discussion went on so long that the British press in Downing Street started chanting 'Free Nelson Mandela'. In this extraordinary insider s account, Renwick draws on his diaries of the time, as well as previously unpublished material from the Foreign Office and Downing Street files. He paints a vivid, affectionate, real-life portrait of Mandela as a wily and resourceful political leader bent on out-manoeuvring both adversaries and some of his own colleagues in pursuit of a peaceful outcome.

The vertiginous decline in political leadership from Nelson Mandela to Jacob Zuma has engulfed South Africa in a serious crisis over the past `lost decade'.

A compelling portrait of Hillary Clinton, president in waiting. číst celé

Described as Mrs Thatcher's favourite diplomat, Robin Renwick was at the centre of many of the key events in history over the past forty years. His account contains vivid first-hand portraits of Mandela, Mugabe, George Bush Sr, the Clintons and Margaret Thatcher. Not just a memoir he reflects on why diplomacy too often consists of ineffective posturing.

Exploring the intricate relationship between espionage and culture, this book delves into the influence of spies throughout history, tracing connections from Shakespearean plays to modern-day spy narratives like James Bond. It examines how cultural representations of espionage reflect societal values, fears, and the evolving nature of intelligence work, highlighting key figures and events that shaped perceptions of spies in literature and media. Through this lens, the book reveals the profound impact of espionage on artistic expression and cultural identity.

Originally published by Palgrave in 1996, this timely and significantly updated edition covers the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Britain and America's ongoing participation in conflicts in the Middle East, their responses to the emergence of ISIL, and the weakening of Britain's military capabilities.

Marking thirty years since the end of George H. W. Bush's presidency, Robin Renwick paints a warm, affectionate portrait of a President who sought to unify rather than divide his country, and whose staunch belief in diplomacy strengthened cooperation around the world.