A wide-ranging, readable and controversial assessment of Thatcher's foreign policy throughout her years in office, 1979-90. Successive chapters cover her partnership with Lord Carrington, the Falklands War, her American policy, her fights with the EC over money and institutional development, her relationship with Gorbachev, and the failure of her German policy. In arguing that Thatcher's attempt to reconcile economic liberalism with political nationalism in a more assertive foreign policy prefigured the emerging statecraft of post-Cold War great power politics, Paul Sharp demonstrates why studying her successes and failures offers an invaluable guide for policy-makers around the world today.
'...it is of great value to have Thatcher's foreign policy examined as a subject in its own right and not just as 'noises off' from a consideration of her overall role as Prime Minister. Paul Sharp steers a judicious course between the twin rocks of hagiography and demonisation.' - David Hannay, The Spectator
'Sharp writes with flair and nuance.' - Stanley Hoffman, Foreign Affairs
'...stimulating book.' - Douglas Hurd, Daily Telegraph
'...well-researched and wide-ranging. Sharp encourages us to look again at existing viewpoints on recent British policy.' - Peter Beck, International Affairs
'Whether they love or loathe Mrs Thatcher, readers of this book will find it as revealing as it is enjoyable. Paul Sharp has written what deserves to become a classic of political and international analysis - an intelligent and informative book about British foreign policy that is both erudite and entertaining.' - Raymond Cohen, Chair, Department of International Relations, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
'Sharp writes with flair and nuance.' - Stanley Hoffman, Foreign Affairs
'...stimulating book.' - Douglas Hurd, Daily Telegraph
'...well-researched and wide-ranging. Sharp encourages us to look again at existing viewpoints on recent British policy.' - Peter Beck, International Affairs
'Whether they love or loathe Mrs Thatcher, readers of this book will find it as revealing as it is enjoyable. Paul Sharp has written what deserves to become a classic of political and international analysis - an intelligent and informative book about British foreign policy that is both erudite and entertaining.' - Raymond Cohen, Chair, Department of International Relations, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel