Open AccessChurchill and Summit Diplomacy: Wartime Models for Keeping Post-War Peace
Author(s) -
Mark Almond
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
perspektivy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2411-3417
DOI - 10.32726/2411-3417-2020-2-107-123
Subject(s) - summit , diplomacy , political science , cold war , politics , power (physics) , white (mutation) , economic history , white paper , political economy , public administration , law , history , sociology , geography , cartography , biochemistry , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , gene
Winston Churchill’s participation in the Yalta Conference became one of the most controversial episodes in his long career. However, the most prominent British statesman of the 20th century consistently argued before and after 1945 for summit diplomacy as a key tool for effective alliances and defusing the risk of war. After returning to power in 1951, Churchill had become the first proponent of détente, but as the Cold War intensified found his suggestions for a new summit rejected by both the White House and the Kremlin. There are lessons for today's political leaders from Churchill’s subtle and realistic approach.