In Cousins and Strangers, Chris Patten, one of Europe's most distinguished statesmen, argues that America's status as the only superpower must be reined in, but he also warns Europe against too ardently challenging U.S. leadership. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in government and international diplomacy, Chris Patten investigates the relationships among Britain, Europe, and America and how all three must adapt to cope with the economic and political challenges of the twenty-first century.
Bio
Lord Chris Francis Patten
Lord Patten is the Chancellor of Oxford and Newcastle Universities. He also is the European Commissioner for External Relations, 1999-2004 and the Chairman of the Conservative Party.
Lord Patten is also the last British governor of Hong Kong and author of East and West: China, Power, and the Future
of Asia and Cousins and Strangers.
Lord Patten is obviously a brilliant politician. I thought his remark that few major international issues today can be solved without Chinese or Indian involvement was especially interesting: Whether it be nuclear proliferation, rogue or failing states, North Korea, Iran, or avian flu, China and India are important players. Even with regards to Darfur, Chinese interests in Sudan have hampered United Nations security council resolutions.