What does the crucial role of diplomacy really look like in today’s world?

Catherine Ashton, author of And Then What: Inside Stories of 21st-Century Diplomacy, served as the European Union’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2009 to 2014. She faced the challenge of representing the views and values of 28 nations during one of the most turbulent periods in living memory, leading historic negotiations such as the Serbia-Kosovo Accord of 2013 and the Iran nuclear negotiations. She encountered dictators and war criminals, and witnessed the aftermath of natural disasters, military action and political instability.

In this talk, Catherine will take 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.

Booksellers from Mr B’s will be on hand before and after the event to sell copies of Catherine’s new book “And Then What?”. Catherine will also be available near the bookselling tables to say hi and sign any copies purchased after the event. Payment by cash or card will be accepted.

Event host

Catherine Ashton served as the European Union's first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy between 2009 and 2014. On behalf of the UN Security Council, she coordinated negotiations that resulted in the nuclear programme agreement with Iran. Previously she was EU Commissioner for Trade, served as a Minister in the Departments of Education and Justice, and was Leader of the House of Lords and President of HM Queen's Privy Council. Ashton is a Distinguished Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington D.C and senior advisor to the Geneva-based organisation, Humanitarian Dialogue.