Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties
Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties
Is a diplomat’s life really as glamorous as a royal visit, or as dramatic as a coup d’état in Turkey? Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who led posts in Ukraine, Turkey and Austria. In a witty globe-trotting adventure through one of the most intriguing careers a person can have, Leigh will talk about his interactions with royalty of both the aristocratic and celebrity kinds, and with brilliant and extraordinary people, and the lessons we all can draw from this. Based on his book "Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties" (Bristol University Press, September 2024) Leigh will offer twelve lessons for life and work, including both how to be a good diplomat - or ambassador - and what lessons we all can learn from modern diplomacy. Ever wondered why Russia started its war with Ukraine; how diplomatic immunity allows killers to escape justice; or how to be invited to a diplomatic cocktail party? Leigh Turner will be happy to explain.
After the talk, Leigh will be signing copies of 'Lessons in Diplomacy'.
You can purchase Leigh's book using this link: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/lessons-in-diplomacy and get 50% off when using the code LID50 at the checkout.
Copies of the book will not be sold on the day.
Speaker
Leigh Turner (Downing 1976)
Leigh Turner is writer and inspirational speaker based in London. He was UK Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna from September 2016 to September 2021. Leigh's previous roles were as HM Consul General Istanbul and Director General for Trade and Investment Turkey, Central Asia and South Caucasus; HM Ambassador in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Director of Overseas Territories in London, responsible for territories including St Helena, the Falklands and Bermuda.
Leigh grew up in Nigeria, Exeter and Lesotho, before education in Swaziland, Manchester and Cambridge. After hitch-hiking around 27 of the United States in 1979, Leigh had a 42-year diplomatic career, lessons from which he draws in his September 2024 book “Lessons in Diplomacy”. He is the author of three thrillers and “Seven Hotel Stories”, a collection of feminist black comedies, and is a former writer for the Financial Times. He lectures at the Oxford University Diplomatic Studies Programme, the LSE, Vienna University and the Danube University Krems, and is a Visiting Professor at Graz University.
Booking information
In-person lectures at the Sidgwick Site as part of Alumni Festival cost £15 per person.
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