New Posts
My 2026 writing course on Lesbos
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026.
Who’s afraid of autocracy?
“Mr Nobody against Putin” and “The Wave” highlight the seductive danger of autocracy, and why we should never assume “it couldn’t happen here”.
Salonica, City of Ghosts
“Salonica – City of Ghosts” is an eery, elegiac portrait of a city that – in many respects – had a completely different identity to
Fake facts: “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”
Fake facts: my theory about the origin of “42” in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” was nonsense. The puzzle of its true origin persists.
Katse Dam Site, Lesotho
Katse Dam site, Lesotho: photographs taken on visits in March-April 1988 as construction of the Dam began. Katse: where are the photos from? In March-April
“Burma Sahib” and “Burmese Days”
“Burma Sahib”, by Paul Theroux, fictionalises George Orwell’s Burma years from 1922-27. Orwell’s novel “Burmese Days” does the same. How do they compare? “Burmese Days”
Zelensky/Trump: what next after the Oval Office car crash?
Zelensky/Trump: what exactly happened in the Oval Office on 28 February? What might happen next? Just over two weeks ago, President Trump rocked Europe by
Russia and Ukraine 3 years on: what next?
President Trump has rocked Europe by starting talks with Moscow. What next for Russia and Ukraine 3 years on?
Book tour: My #AustroScottishBookTour
What’s a book tour really like? My January 2025 tour around Austria and Scotland was full of sofa-beds, train rides and kindness.
My upcoming talks and a writing course
Book talks and courses are always in preparation. A 10% discount is now available. This post was updated in mid-May 2025.
My 2026 writing course on Lesbos
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026.
Terrorism: How to tackle it
Terrorism: you can’t stop it, despite rhetoric about a ‘war on terror’. But you can reduce its impact through training, training and training
How to survive a crisis
All of us sometimes face a crisis. It’s important to be prepared – including knowing when to act, and when to do nothing. When to
Carry on, Jeeves: a centenary looms
“Carry on, Jeeves” is the PG Wodehouse book where Jeeves is introduced, including rare physical descriptions of the world’s most famous butler
How to promote a book
How to promote a book? Let’s run through events since Bristol University Press published “Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties” on 24 September 2024.
Chagos Islands: an explainer
The Chagos Islands are a problem left over by history. A planned transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius is a step forward. But challenges remain.
LESSONS IN DIPLOMACY: LATEST EVENTS (UPDATED)
Following publication of Lessons in Diplomacy, on 24 September, I have several new events coming up. I’m grateful to all who have invited me, and
Welsh border wall rises
Welsh border wall takes shape as Welsh Secret Service plans impenetrable barrier along entire, 160-mile length of English frontier.
How to Know People: Four Young Russians
“How to Know People” is Chapter 10 of my book “Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties”. Here is one of the stories it contains.
How to become an ambassador
How to become an ambassador, How to survive a crisis, and How to handle politicians are all chapters in Lessons in Diplomacy – plus 13
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