And Then What?

Catherine Ashton

A behind-the-scenes account of global crises from Libya to Iran, revealing how modern-day diplomacy really works

So much of modern-day diplomacy still takes place behind closed doors, away from cameras and prying eyes. So what does this vital role really look like in today’s world?

From 2009 to 2014, Catherine Ashton was the EU’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security. Arriving in Brussels with no significant experience of international diplomacy, she faced the challenge of representing the views and values of twenty-eight nations during one of the most turbulent times in living memory. From Russia’s invasion of Crimea to the Iran nuclear deal, she led the EU’s response, charting a path towards collaboration and stability.

Now for the first time, Ashton takes us behind the scenes to show us what worked and what didn’t, and how it felt to play a part in tackling some of the major international crises of our times.

Pub date: 21 September 2023

Price: £10.99

ISBN: 9781783967117 epub: 9781783966356

Audio: 9781783967476

Genre: Memoir / Politics

Format: Paperback

Dimensions: 198x129 mm

Extent: 288 pages

Rights: World

‘And Then What? is breathless and conversational — and all the more readable for that. But while her tone is down-to-earth, the events that Ashton played a part in were dramatic and often historic.’

Gideon Rachman, Financial Times

Catherine Ashton served as the European Union’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2009 to 2014 and was the first female EU Commissioner for Trade. She is a life peer and former Leader of the House of Lords and served as a UK government minister in the Education and Justice departments.