Not Quite the Diplomat: Home Truths About World Affairs

Not Quite the Diplomat draws from Christopher Patten's extensive career in British and international politics, including his roles as the last British governor of Hong Kong and European Commissioner for External Relations. The book presents his observations on global affairs, diplomacy, and Britain's place in the modern world. Patten examines key international relationships, focusing on America, China, and Europe while addressing issues like terrorism, globalization, and the aftermath of the Iraq War. His insider perspective reveals the mechanics of international negotiations and policy-making across multiple continents and political systems. Written in 2005, this work combines policy analysis with personal anecdotes from Patten's time in various diplomatic posts. The narrative moves between historical context and contemporary challenges facing the international community. The book represents a critical examination of Western diplomatic approaches and raises questions about the future of global governance. Patten's observations highlight tensions between national sovereignty and international cooperation that continue to shape world affairs.

Readers describe this as a frank assessment of international relations from Patten's perspective as the last British governor of Hong Kong and EU Commissioner. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex diplomatic issues - Inside perspective on UK-China relations - Critical analysis of US foreign policy - Practical suggestions for European reform Common criticisms: - Too focused on defending Patten's own record - Writing style can be dry and academic - Some arguments repeat across chapters - Limited coverage of non-Western perspectives From one Amazon reviewer: "Patten offers valuable insights but spends too much time justifying past decisions rather than looking forward." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (43 ratings) Amazon UK: 4/5 (16 reviews) Amazon US: 3.8/5 (8 reviews) Review counts are relatively low, suggesting this book reached a niche audience interested in diplomatic memoirs and international relations.

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🌟 Christopher Patten was the last British Governor of Hong Kong (1992-1997), overseeing the historic handover to Chinese sovereignty 🌟 The book's title is a playful reference to Patten's reputation for being unusually outspoken and direct for a diplomat, often causing controversy during his career 🌟 During his time as European Commissioner for External Relations (1999-2004), which he discusses in the book, Patten helped manage relations with 123 different countries 🌟 The author donated his personal papers from his time as Hong Kong Governor to Oxford University's Bodleian Library, creating one of the most significant archives of the Hong Kong handover period 🌟 Patten wrote this book while serving as Chancellor of Oxford University, a position he held from 2003 to 2009, bringing his academic and diplomatic experiences together