William Shawcross Book order (chronological)

Az anyakirálynő Valamikor ​​a kilencvenes évek közepén Michael Parker őrnagy egyszer együtt teázott Diana walesi hercegnővel és az anyakirálynővel. Amikor a hercegnő azt mondta: – Már úgy várjuk a századik születésnapját –, az anyakirálynő így válaszolt: Ó, ezt nem szabad mondani. Szerencsétlenséget hoz, illetve hát lehet, hogy elüt nagy piros busz. Parker azt mondta, ez igen kevéssé valószínű, mire az anyakirálynő: Nem, nem szó szerint, hanem átvitt értelemben. Mert nem lenne rémes, ha az ember egész életében mindig csak azt csinálná, amit kell? Nem inna, nem dohányozna, nem enne finomakat, sokat edzene, meg minden olyasmit tenne, amihez nincs sok kedve, és akkor egyszer csak elüti egy nagy piros busz, és ahogy a kerekek szétlapítják, közben arra gondol: „Ó, istenem, milyen jól berúghattam volna tegnap este!” Az embernek úgy kellene élnie, mintha másnap elüthetné egy nagy piros busz. Parker akkor arra gondolt, az anyakirálynő pontosan így élt. Sőt, tette hozzá: „minden napot csodás meglepetésként köszöntött”.

Since the Nuremberg Trials of 1945, lawful nations have struggled to impose justice around the world, especially when confronted by tyrannical and genocidal regimes. But in Cambodia, the USSR, China, Bosnia, Rwanda, and beyond, justice has been served haltingly if at all in the face of colossal inhumanity. International Courts are not recognized worldwide. There is not a global consensus on how to punish transgressors. The war against Al Qaeda is a war like no other. Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda’s founder, was killed in Pakistan by Navy Seals. Few people in America felt anything other than that justice had been served. But what about the man who conceived and executed the 9/11 attacks on the US, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed? What kind of justice does he deserve? The U.S. has tried to find the high ground by offering KSM a trial – albeit in the form of military tribunal. But is this hypocritical? Indecisive? Half-hearted? Or merely the best application of justice possible for a man who is implacably opposed to the civilization that the justice system supports and is derived from? In this book, William Shawcross explores the visceral debate that these questions have provoked over the proper application of democratic values in a time of war, and the enduring dilemma posed to all victors in war: how to treat the worst of your enemies.

Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes Lyon, the youngest daughter of the Earl of Strathmore, was born on August 4, 1900. It might reasonably have been expected that she would lead a life of ease and privilege, but few could have imagined the profound effect she would have on Britain and its people. Her life spanned the whole of the 20th century, and this official biography tells not only her story but, through it, that of the country she loved so devotedly.

Reporting from global war zones, journalist Shawcross highlights the perilous world and the courageous individuals, both ordinary and extraordinary, who risk their lives for peace. Following the Cold War, a decade marked by regional conflicts, ethnic wars, and humanitarian crises emerged, prompting calls for American leadership in global peacekeeping. The international community, often associated with the UN but influenced by wealthier nations, has had mixed success. In Africa, indifference is criticized, while in Cambodia, election results are ignored. Saddam Hussein defies the UN, and in Bosnia and Kosovo, Western intervention comes only after significant violence. Shawcross has engaged with policymakers, including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and traveled with peacekeepers and aid workers to witness the challenges they face. His report reveals the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and the complexities of intervention. Critics argue that some interventions may exacerbate conflicts. Shawcross contends that while recent efforts in places like Kosovo and East Timor offer hope, they also raise concerns. The past decade teaches that not every injustice can be addressed, and effective intervention requires clear objectives, popular support, and sustained commitment. As he notes, calling on human institutions for deliverance is a daunting expectation, akin to asking for miracles.

A biography of Rupert Murdoch, the notorious and powerful media baron, and the parallel tale of the information and technology revolution which has made such global influence and power possible

Rupert Murdoch invented the modern global information empire. His relentless determination and daring and his repeated willingness to bet the balance sheet in order to acquire more newspapers, television stations, satellite networks, cable systems and publishing houses have been amply rewarded: Murdoch's information empire now reaches two thirds of the world's population, making him one of the most powerful men on earth. In this revised edition of his classic 1993 biography, William Shawcross updates the story of Murdoch's battles to extend his electronic "footprint" around the globe.

Portrays the Czech leader who unsuccessfully attempted to reconcile communism and democracy, and describes his comeback amid the tumultuous events of 1989

In 1968, Shawcross witnessed the last days of the Prague Spring. He returned next year to write a post-mortem of the reform movement. In this revised edition he goes on to examine opposition groups like Charter 77 and the effects of Glasnost. His other books include "The Shah's Last Ride".

Examines the work of international relief organizations, such as UNICEF, CARE, the Red Cross, OXFAM, and the World Council of Churches, in Cambodia