Statecraft: Strategies for a Changing World

I must admit that during her service as Prime Minister Ms. Thatcher and I found ourselves at odds on many issues. However this perspective and world view has been one of the most enlightening accounts that it has been my pleasure to read.This is a segmented book in terms of examining various areas of the world and how they exist and relate to Britain and America. It is readily accessible to both the general reader and academic. Her insights into the character and motivations of the leaders of the past twenty years are irreplaceable and her sense of humor is exhibited throughout the account. The section that I found most interesting concerned Asia and in particular the situation which exists in China. President Nixon is often credited with having the most perfect insight into that still relatively closed society, but Ms. Thatcher has definitely exceeded him here. As she has so deftly exceeded in her analysis of so many nations and cultures. This is not and I repeat not a partisan account. It is clear-eyed and to the point. She does bring some of her perspectives to this, but this is not about politics, the Cold War or East versus West. I would commend this one to anyone interested in foreign affairs. In fact it is the best book I have read about the current world situation. It is chock full of maps and easy to read reports.And if I were teaching a course in current world history this would be my text. Ms. Thatcher is an untapped resource in world affairs and I hope she continues to write. She has so much to offer.

Margaret Thatcher's place in history is already firmly established. She earned her place in history's pantheon of great leaders in large part through her unprecedented 3 consecutive electoral victories and the years in office they allowed her to serve, and she continues to closely follow and study global politics as a respected former stateswoman. She is as competent to write on world politics as any leader currently in office, and more qualified than many, whether they currently serve or have served in the past.Lady Thatcher does not mince words, spin ideas, nor does she change her beliefs to suit the mood of the day. In this book she takes many positions that are not fashionable, politically correct, and will not be welcomed by many in or out of office. She presents her case on dozens of issues and offers summaries of what she believes should be done. I would very much enjoy a rebuttal as competent as her presentation; I doubt very much that I would be swayed. I had the privilege of attending one of her speeches, and if you find her persuasive via her writing, she is extraordinary in person.That are many topics that deserve close focus, but I enjoyed her extended discussion of what she terms, "euro-land". I may be wrong, but I feel she equates the usefulness and future of The European Union to be as fictional as another land, that of Disney. Disney deals in fantasy, governments should not. The union is also referred to as a form of United States Of Europe; this fiction is dismembered by Lady Thatcher in great detail, and with arguments of more substance than those who advocate the union. She believes that it is inevitable that the program will fail, and that history will record it as one of the greatest follies attempted in history.Globalism and the concepts of global citizenship are dead on arrival by any rational measure. The European Union is doomed for the same reasons. The world is not populated by homogenous people, language, laws, customs, beliefs, morals, systems of government, or common national interests. And this list is just a small sample. Members who issue the Euro give up a fundamental element of their sovereignty, their right to issue legal tender and manage their economies. The citizens are subject to the laws of their nation, and again this is compromised when a supra-authority like euro-land government develops. Defenders cite the tradition of international law, the miserable record of international law and courts preempts any such defense.Lady Thatcher also points out the aspirations to produce a military force from the members of the union. Most of these aspirations, which are no more than still born fantasies, are often put forward by two of the members, Germany and France. It's amazing how short memories are. I am not suggesting that Germany has any desire to go to war once again, but it is historical fact that as a nation (now fully reunited) they have not worked and played well with their neighbors. France has routinely

Margaret Thatcher clearly shows why she is so highly regarded worldwide by conservatives and authentic liberals, but vilified by leftists (who have nothing in common with real liberalism except for the hijacking of its name).Her understanding and observations concerning the political, economic, and military problems the world will face in the near future are very insightful. Whether you admire, dislike, or are indifferent toward her, you will be impressed by her integrity and willingness to state these problems and their often politically-incorrect solutions. She writes in the same manner that she lead; that is, by principle and example. She is concerned only with what is right and totally unconcerned with whether or not it is popular. Rest assured that Mrs. Thatcher never took an opinion poll before making an important decision. It is obvious why she was such a great leader and why this book is such an important contribution to the study of international affairs and I highly recommend it.

Margaret Thatcher gives us a book about the difficult political decisions facing leaders of Western nations.I was most impressed with Margaret Thatcher's obvious obsession with always doing what seems morally right and justified, at the risk of becoming rather unpopular in the process. Nowhere is this more evident than in her defense of Chilean General/Senator Pinochet, at a time when it is certainly politically incorrect to openly show any support for this man, despite his undeniable roll in bringing economic and political stability to Chile.Whether one agrees or not with Margaret Thatcher's views, it is clear to me she is a person of integrity, and does not express views aimed at winning any popularity contests.I suspect that at the very least, people will find her book provides some good conversation topics, some challenging ideas, and some reflection on the complex dinamics of the political, ethical, and foreign relations decisions facing us in the immediate years ahead of us.