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4.0 out of 5 stars
The man who knows too much, April 5 2007
Chris Patten has been everywhere and done many things. Such experience fills his memory with many aspects of international dealings. Gaining a focus on all that information and conveying it to readers in an organised fashion proves difficult, as this book shows. In an account of what he's observed over the years - "as close to a memoir as I will come" - he tries to explain the United Kingdom's struggle to balance its own interests with that of others. The "others" are Europe and the United States. How well does he achieve this?
After a rather rambling start, Patten gets to his theme: where does the UK stand in relation to its two most significant allies - the US and the EU? He emphasises that these are collectives, not single entities. This is important to remember as he discusses the formation and dealings within the EU and its relations with the rest of the world. It further raises questions of "sovereignty" and how that is considered by the three groupings under discussion. Sovereignty is something debateable and adjustable as the EU has successfully demonstrated. The US has taken a more rigid stance on the concept, which has inhibited its relations with the EU and coloured its dealings with the UK and the UN, the fourth element to be considered.
Patten strains somewhat to establish and maintain his "conservative" credentials. As a politician, he's a fairly staunch British Conservative. As a diplomat, however, the small "c" conservative has been the foundation of his dealings with nations and agencies. As a conservative, there are factors he wishes to protect and promote. He wants to retain the internationalism that prevailed at the end of WWII and, in the West, throughout the Cold War. The Marshall Plan, designed to restore post-war Europe, proves his most reliable model and he urges readoption of its ideals. While urging this restitution, he cannot avoid taking a swipe at the self-declared "neocons" in Washington and their unilateral approach to world situations. Internationalism, Patten urges, has been successfully demonstrated and should be encouraged further. The UK, in its special position as well as its "special relation", is best suited to take up this cause most effectively.
Patten's distaste for Bush and his cronies is not one that will be flushed away with a dose of Listerine. Although the author feels that US exceptionalism has shallow roots, mostly fertilised by its contributions in two great wars and its self-congratulatory outlook to the collapse of the Soviet Empire, he fails to see how deeply that unilateral attitude actually resides. A product of expansion into the political vacuum of North America, US unilateralism will not be excised by the admonitions of the last governor of Hong Kong. His approach is to hope "we can all sit down and reason together", but while that has certainly worked in Europe - in no small part due to Patten's own efforts - it's unlikely to be viewed with welcome in the US any time soon. Nor, is it as pervasive in his own country as he would wish it. Patten's observations, particularly at the end of the book where he considers the rising power of China, are valuable and meaningful. That, his disavowals aside, this is a heavily personalised account enhances, does not diminishes its worth. It's not the only paean to international cooperation, but it's a worthy contribution. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
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5.0 out of 5 stars
He hit the nail on the head, April 7 2006
As for world politics, this reviewer is a layman, but I am an avid reader of history, past and contemporary, along with personal memoirs. Among quite a number of works encountered, "Cousins and Strangers" by (Sir? Lord? If not, he should be one!) Chris Patten is absolute tops. This description of the relationship between the great and not so great powers in this world is not just history. It is an account for what is going on right now across the oceans, tracing the beginnings of the delicate international linkages, their trials and tribulations, and a wise outlook into a nebulous future. It encompasses not only the interplay of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Europe, but circles the globe.Rarely have I enjoyed a book in this genre as much as this one. All academic criteria seem to be properly met, facts remaining facts, and emotions kept at bay by exquisite balance and wit. Chris Patten unusually frankly gives his personal opinion about institutions, people, politics and policies, yet avoids being intrusive, preaching or proselytizing for specific issues. For the breadth of the theme, the volume appears slender, but it is amazing, how much relevant information this book contains!The anecdotal inserts, not the least the various thumbnail portraits of ponderous as well as popular politicians are skilfully woven into the pattern of serious matter. The light touch of the writing manages to steer clear of flippancy, yet it left at least this reader with a broad grin of recognition of many phenomena and personalities therein contained. To my mind comes a phrase from my French school grammar back in Sweden, an example for a rule of syntax long since forgotten: "J'appelle un chat un chat et Rollet un fripon!"
Whoever Rollet was. That phrase easily is applicable to "Cousins and Strangers", even if not all persons in this remarkable work would be referred to as "fripons". With his book, Chris Patten has hit the nail of ongoing history on its head. While it should be mandatory reading for anyone involved or interested in international affairs, it is so relaxing and therapeutic to read that it should be by any bedside or as companion in the hammock. It guaranteed will not lull you into sleep!
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