Chris Patten Book order

The diaries of the last British Governor of Hong Kong, published on the 25th anniversary of the handover In June 1992 Chris Patten went to Hong Kong as the last British governor, to try to prepare it not (as other British colonies over the decades) for independence, but for handing back in 1997 to the Chinese, from whom most of its territory had been leased 99 years previously. Over the next five years he kept this diary, which describes in detail how Hong Kong was run as a British colony and what happened as the handover approached. The book gives unprecedented insights into negotiating with the Chinese, about how the institutions of democracy in Hong Kong were (belatedly) strengthened and how Patten sought to ensure that a strong degree of self-government would continue after 1997. Unexpectedly, his opponents included not only the Chinese themselves, but some British businessmen and civil service mandarins upset by Patten's efforts, for whom political freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong seemed less important than keeping on the right side of Beijing. The book concludes with an account of what has happened in Hong Kong since the handover, a powerful assessment of recent events and Patten's reflections on how to deal with China - then and now.

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xii 490p hardback, black cloth with beige cover, very good condition, light wear and sticker to jacket, binding intact, pages clear and bright, a good pre-owned copy with the author's signature on the title page

Reveals how the fall of the Berlin Wall transformed the Western alliance between the United States, Britain, and Europe, explaining how terrorism, Asian economic competition, and cultural divides could have profound implications for the West.

"Not Quite the Diplomat" describes what has been happening in Britain, Europe and the world since 1997 from the perspective of one at the heart of international events. In examining how we got to where we are, he writes candidly about many of the major players and what happened behind closed doors. In arguing about where we should be, he writes with the directness of a man freed at last from the bonds of diplomatic restraint. Will the British still be trying to work out who we are and what we want to be as the world moves on? How far can Europe expand and is Europe all a terrible mistake or where our destiny lies? Does the old, fractured Western alliance still have the time and the will to shape the world before the rise of India and China? Chris Patten's answers to these questions are pungent and devastatingly well informed. No recent book by a politician of any political persuasion has been so engaging, so outspoken and often so funny. If Chris Patten is no longer the diplomat, it is the readers of this book who are the beneficiaries.

From the last governor of Hong Kong comes a controversial and insightful analysis of the economic and political landscape of China and East Asia, examining their future in the next century. Chris Patten reflects on his unique perspective during his tenure, observing the region's growing power and the intricate relationship between Hong Kong and the Chinese economy. The handover of Hong Kong to Communist China in June 1997 marked a significant moment in British history, raising complex questions about independence and democracy that could not be addressed as in other former colonies. Patten delves into his disputes with China regarding democratic elections, civil liberties, and the quest for Hong Kong's autonomy. He also explores the broader Asian value system, questioning whether economic transformation can occur without corresponding political change and if democratic governance can ensure fairness among economic rivals. With Asia emerging as a formidable competitor to the West, particularly through the lens of Communist China, Patten thoughtfully examines the implications of China's economic reforms and outlines critical political agendas for both Eastern and Western futures.