After working as the governor of an Iraqi province, Rory entered British politics as a Conservative MP – holding ministerial posts before attempting to become Prime Minister. When Boris Johnson won the election in 2019, Rory resigned and threw himself into the ring to become the new Mayor of London. After that contest was delayed by COVID, bruised and battered by that experience, he left politics and later even left the country.
Rory talks about the influence of his beloved father Brian – a remarkable man who was a D-Day hero and decorated spy. Rory reveals how in 2015 he tried in vain to resuscitate his father who collapsed and died in his arms. It's a truly moving account of not only that terrible moment but also the incredible bond he shared with his father.
Rory now teaches international relations and politics at @yale, runs a successful charity from his home in Jordan, whilst co-hosting podcast sensation The Rest is Politics with Alastair Campbell.
An episode full of emotion, honesty and reflections on the crisis that are as fascinating as they are useful. I hope you like it.
For the full episode transcript and more, visit: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/rory-stewart-on-a-love-for-risk-a-battle-with-bitterness-and-why -a-politics -the-return-is-on-the-cards/
Rory's comfort in a crisis:
1. Meditation. I did eleven-day silent retreats, which were very important to me. So in times of extreme stress, I find deep meditation. An hour or two of meditation is very powerful.
2. Children's films or books on cassette. I'm currently listening to the Hornblower series. When I'm a little stressed, I put it on and it puts me back into the bliss of being some sort of 15 year old in the 50s.
3. Animals. That relationship with your dog or your cat – learning from their virtues, I think, is extremely important.
Connections:
Pre-order Rory’s next book – Politics On the Edge – https://amzn.to/3mtPbdQ
Rory's website – https://www.rorystewart.co.uk/
Follow Rory on Twitter – https://twitter.com/RoryStewartUK
Turquoise Mountain Foundation – https://www.turquoisemountain.org/
The places in between – https://amzn.to/3UzAiDf
Occupational risks – https://amzn.to/3KBDnhO
The steps – https://amzn.to/3ZZPkDH
Can the intervention work? – https://amzn.to/3zWhLYu
Stream/Buy “Allies” by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm
Velvet Morning website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk
Your daily practice: Sleeping by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?sib2f9397c92084682
Host – Andy Coulson
CWC production team: Louise Difford, Ed Isaacs and Jane Sankey
With special thanks to Global
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