Living the Cold War: Memoirs of a British Diplomat

Sir Christopher Mallaby's memoir, "Living the Cold War," describes the unification of Germany in 1990 as the key to ending the Cold War and the liberation of millions in eastern and central Europe from Soviet control. He also writes vividly of other people, places, and events, including the Cuban crisis and Britain's attempt to persuade Argentina to withdraw peacefully from the Falklands. The author mixes amusing incidents with insights on crucial world events, showing what diplomats can achieve.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2019
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Sir Christopher Mallaby, a former British Ambassador to Germany and France, has written a captivating memoir that delves into the unification of Germany in 1990, a pivotal moment in history. This memoir, which reflects years of dedicated work by Mallaby and his colleagues, serves as the centerpiece of his narrative. While Mallaby held differing views from Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he firmly believed that unification was the key to ending the Cold War with a peaceful victory for the West. He saw it as a means of liberating millions of people in eastern and central Europe from the grip of Soviet control. On the other hand, Thatcher had a deep-seated dislike for the Germans and vehemently opposed unification.

Mallaby's memoir is filled with vivid descriptions of various people, places, and events. He and his wife, who were young and lived in Moscow during the Cuban crisis, vividly recall the fear and uncertainty they faced, knowing that American nuclear weapons could potentially destroy them. Through his account, Mallaby sheds light on why Khrushchev took such a significant risk by placing nuclear missiles in Cuba and ultimately yielded to President Kennedy's demands.

Living the Cold War takes readers on a journey through the work of diplomats and leaders on multiple fronts. It explores the threat posed by the Soviet Union, the diplomatic efforts to persuade Argentina to withdraw peacefully from the Falklands, and the complexities of navigating the Cold War landscape. Mallaby brings forth a range of experiences, including the harassment of diplomats by the KGB in Moscow and the fascinating insights he gained during his time as Ambassador in France. By seamlessly blending amusing incidents with his insider's perspectives on crucial world events, Mallaby showcases the remarkable achievements that diplomats can attain.

Through his memoir, Sir Christopher Mallaby provides a valuable perspective on the Cold War era and the role of diplomats in shaping global events. His narrative is rich in detail, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals caught in the midst of political turmoil. By sharing his experiences and insights, Mallaby inspires readers to appreciate the complexities and challenges of diplomacy and the profound impact it can have on the course of history.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445689463