Not quite a diplomat: a memoir

Described as Mrs Thatcher's favourite diplomat, Robin Renwick was at the centre of events in the negotiations to end the Rhodesian War, in Washington during the Falklands conflict, and played an integral part in 'Getting our money back' from the European Community.

His account contains vivid first-hand portraits of Mandela, Mugabe, George Bush Sr., the Clintons, Margaret Thatcher, Lord Carrington and many others.

He examines why diplomacy too often consists of ineffective posturing, and the likely effects of Trump, Brexit and, potentially, Jeremy Corbyn on Britain's standing in the world.