Behind the Embassy Door: Canada, Clinton & Quebec - Hardcover

Blanchard, James J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1886947597 ISBN 13: 9781886947597

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, 1998

Synopsis

From the moment he became U.S. ambassador to Canada in 1993, James J. Blanchard was determined to make a difference. He succeeded ? to hte benefit of both countries.

Behind the Embassy Door is an insider?s view of politics and diplomacy at one of the most crucial periods in the history of U.S.-Canada relations. The North American Free Trade Agreement, negotiated against a background of fierce controversy, was agreed to but not yet ratified and a newly elected Liberal government had promised to renegotiate the deal. At the same time, the separatist government in Quebec was pushing the country to the brink of dissolution with a referendum on sovereignty. This book gives fascinating insight into the role of the U.S. ambassador at a time when seemingly minor remarks and gestures could prove decisive.

This is an extraordinary account of how international relations are conducted at the highest level. It is also a candid account of the everyday life of an ambassador abroad. Blanchard takes us behind the scenes with a number of Canadian and American politicians and public figures, from Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to President Clinton, and many of their senior cabinet members and advisers.

Blanchard describes the coast-to-coast trip across Canada that he undertook shortly after his arrival. And he tells about visits to Ottawa by the president, Vice-President Gore, Madeleine Albright, and many others. He recalls how the president?s mother charmed a thousand women and how Hillary Clinton skated on the famed Rideau Canal.

This book offers an unprecedented and frequently surprising look at the intimate everyday workings of a relationship that is unique among nations.

About this title

From the Back Cover

“James J. Blanchard’s book on his years in Canada...has my strong recommendation.”
–John Kenneth Galbraith

“A fascinating, insider-account of diplomacy...a riveting all-night read.”
–George Weeks, Detroit News

“For anyone wanting to know how the U.S. influences Canada, Blanchard’s book should be required reading.”
–St. John’s Telegram

“A breezy mix of anecdotes, gossip and astute observations....”
–Vancouver Province

About the Author

James J. Blanchard, former United States Congressman (1975 to 1981) and Governor of Michigan (1983 to 1991), served as Ambassador to Canada from 1993 to 1996. Upon the conclusion of his duties in Ottawa, U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher presented Blanchard with the Foreign Affairs Award for Public Service, an honor bestowed on only a handful of ambassadors.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Blanchard received his B.A. and M.B.A. from Michigan State University and law degree (J.D.) from the University of Minnesota. He served as an Assistant Attorney General of Michigan 1969 to 1974. Blanchard practises law in Michigan and Washington, D.C., and is a partner in the Washington law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand. He is married to Janet Blanchard and has a son, Jay. The Blanchards reside in Beverly Hills, Michigan.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 1886947597
• ISBN 13: 9781886947597
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1