Martin Nicholson Books

The second volume of Martin Nicholson's autobiography chronicles his transformative student years from 1956 to 1963 against the backdrop of the Cold War. It details his National Service in the Royal Navy, where he learned Russian, and his academic pursuits at Cambridge University, culminating in a year at Moscow State University. During this period, he witnessed the complexities of Soviet society, including the space race and Stalin's legacy, which laid the groundwork for his future as a Soviet analyst in the British Diplomatic Service.

Chronicling the author's experiences from 1972 to 1984, this memoir highlights his postings in Prague and Vienna during a politically charged era. It captures the challenges of family life under Communist regimes and the complexities of East/West arms control negotiations. The narrative also reflects on the gradual decline of the Soviet Union, culminating in Gorbachev's significant visit to the UK. This volume offers a personal perspective on historical events and the interplay between diplomacy and family amidst a shifting political landscape.

Set during the height of the Cold War, this memoir details the author's experiences as a Soviet political analyst and interpreter in London and Moscow from 1963 to 1971. As tensions escalated between the UK and the Soviet Union, he navigated a turbulent environment marked by espionage and diplomatic expulsions. The narrative offers an insider's perspective on the political climate and personal challenges faced during his tenure, including the complexities of relocating his family to Moscow while managing his pivotal role in the Foreign Office.

The book explores the evolution of Russia's governance since 1991, emphasizing the need for decentralization to establish a balanced relationship between the central government and its regions. It posits that a well-regulated devolution can enhance local autonomy without jeopardizing national integrity, provided it is rooted in a strong adherence to the rule of law. This analysis offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of Russian statehood and the potential for a more effective governance model.

The memoir chronicles Martin Nicholson's early life, beginning in 1937 in Rio de Janeiro and spanning his family's relocations across continents during significant historical events, including World War II. It captures the challenges of post-war Britain, particularly the harsh winter of 1946-1947, and the experiences of boarding school. Throughout these transitions, Nicholson emphasizes the stability provided by his close-knit family. This volume is the first in a planned series, detailing his journey up to his retirement from the Diplomatic Service in 1997.

The book offers a quantitative analysis of nuclear, fossil, and renewable electricity generation methods, highlighting their advantages and limitations. It assesses each mode's potential to reduce emissions while ensuring a stable electricity supply, providing valuable insights for energy policy and sustainability discussions.

This book provides quantitative analysis of the advantages and limitations of the three main modes of electricity generation-nuclear, fossil and renewable-to enable an assessment of their potential for reducing emissions and maintaining electricity supply.