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Today, we are witnessing one of the most dangerous geopolitical moments of modern times -- a world heralded by loud populist and nationalist voices, steeped in uncertainty. But how did the nations of the world come to such a predicament? Is the international liberal order doomed? Drawing on decades of experience in Brussels, Washington, New York, and London, one of the world's foremost diplomats lifts the veil on contemporary foreign affairs, tracing how nations have been sleepwalking toward a
"Divorce of Nations" -- and the steps that might yet mend it.
Having met many of the most consequential global leaders of the 21st century, Ambassador Vale de Almeida offers candid reflections on figures such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy, Emmanuel Macron, Hu Jintao, and Donald Trump. He also recalls multiple encounters with Vladimir Putin, highlighting the early warning signs and grievances that foreshadowed Russia's incursions into Georgia and Crimea -- precursors to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Other pivotal moments explored include the global response to the 2008 financial crisis, the world's transformation after 9/11, the rise of China, and the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. The book also provides a vivid, behind-the-scenes account of the first 1,000 days of Brexit -- the ultimate act of national separation so far.
Based on contemporary notes and later reflections,
The Divorce of Nations is a vital and timely work -- one that helps readers navigate the complex, volatile, and fragmented global landscape with clarity and insight.
Praise for The Divorce of Nations: - "Who better to guide us through the chaotic world of the last 25 years than one who had a ringside seat for much that went on, and who writes about it with such insight and skill? This is a must-read book." -- Sir Anthony Seldon, author of Truss at 10
- "In my time working on Europe, João Vale de Almeida was the most important name in my address book -- a view I suspect was widely shared." -- Lord Kim Darroch, former British Ambassador to the United States
- "This is a superb book: provocative, witty, erudite, sober -- and sometimes sobering -- but ultimately wise in its prescriptions." -- Sir Ivan Rogers, former UK Permanent Representative to the EU
- "This book is a rare opportunity to look behind the diplomatic curtain and see events and the people who inspired them up close and personal." -- Baroness Catherine Ashton, former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs
About the author
João Vale de Almeida is the EU's former ambassador to the United States, the United Nations, and the United Kingdom. One of the world's foremost diplomats, his distinguished career has given him a front-row seat to international relations over the past two decades. A visiting fellow at both Cambridge and Columbia universities, he is also an experienced public speaker who appears regularly on the BBC, Sky News, ITV, and Channel 4.
