In the Ring: A Commonwealth Memoir

In the Ring: A Commonwealth Memoir

by Don Mc Kinnon (Author)

Synopsis

'In the Ring' deals with impossibly devious plots and characters - ambitious presidents and prime ministers from all corners of the world, some determined to hold onto power at any cost; a British government often with a misplaced sense of its own role in one of the world's oldest organisations; and an organisation of 300 people, externally working to help the world while inwardly struggling along racial and geo-political lines. You couldn't make it up - and he hasn't. For the first eight years of the 21st century, Don McKinnon was the Secretary General of the Commonwealth and this was the stuff of his day-to-day life, whether facing down armed coup leaders or soothing internal staff factions. Here for the first time he reveals what was going on behind the scenes during such major events as the suspension of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth. With fascinating background detail and his predictions for the future of the Commonwealth itself, this is a compelling account of the trials and tribulations of running an international organisation in a complex world.

$3.45

Save:$23.18 (87%)

Quantity

2 in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Edition: 1st
Publisher: Elliott & Thompson Limited
Published: 21 Feb 2013

ISBN 10: 1908739266
ISBN 13: 9781908739261
Book Overview: * A first-hand account of some of the most crisis-ridden years of the Commonwealth's existence.; * Foreword by Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State.; * Author PR campaign and support from Commonwealth institutions.; * Includes archive photography.

Media Reviews
this book is probably the most important book on the modern Commonwealth ever. --LJ Holden, New Zealand Republic; In the Ring reveals Mr. McKinnon to be a man of considerable charm and a skilled negotiator of the various corridors of power where his career played out.--Martin Rubin, Washington Times; As a chronicle that is as frank in its content as it is wide in its telling of the inner workings of life in the ring of the Commonwealth, Don McKinnon's memoir is compulsory reading. --Sir Ronald Sanders KCMG AM
Author Bio
Sir Donald Charles 'Don' McKinnon ONZ GCVO is a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand. He was the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations from 2000 until 2008. During his time at the helm of the Commonwealth, he was involved in many serious episodes, including the suspension of Zimbabwe's membership, and George Speight's attempted coup in Fiji. He is a Vice-President of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and lives in New Zealand.