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. 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.
An informed and balanced ringside view of diplomatic history over 50 years, this book will fascinate general readers and prove essential reading for specialists.

David Hannay (Lord Hannay of Chiswick), one of Britain's most distinguished Foreign Office veterans, served in a number of key diplomatic posts and has been immersed in the conduct of British foreign policy relating to the UN, Europe and the Middle East over the last half century. He was Minister at the British Embassy in Washington, Ambassador to the European Communities from 1985 to 1990, and Ambassador to the United Nations from 1990 to 1995. Following his retirement from Britain's Diplomatic Service, he was the UK's Special Representative for Cyprus from 1996 to 2003. He is a member of the House of Lords' European Select Committee. He is the author of Cyprus: The Search for a Solution and New World Disorder: The UN After the Cold War - An Insider's View (both published by I.B.Tauris).