TEHRAN – “And Then What: Inside Stories of 21st-Century Diplomacy”, a book by Former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, has recently been published in Persian. 

Parvin Qaemi is the translator of the book, which has been published by Iran Publications Institute in Tehran.

“And Then What: Inside Stories of 21st-Century Diplomacy” details Ashton’s experiences as a major player in European politics. Ashton's book takes a closer look at her time as the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the challenges she faced while in that position.

Ashton's writing is sharp, insightful and engaging, offering readers a unique perspective on the complicated world of global diplomacy. In the book, she details some of her most memorable experiences, including her negotiations with Iran over their nuclear program, and discusses the successes and failures of her diplomatic efforts.

One of the standout features of the book is its focus on the personalities involved in international politics. Ashton offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the world's most powerful governments, revealing the complex relationships and alliances that underpin political decision-making.

Throughout the book, Ashton also discusses the role of technology in modern diplomacy, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that digital communication presents to diplomats. Her insights on this topic are particularly valuable, given the rapid pace of technological change and the growing importance of cybersecurity in international affairs.

Catherine Ashton is a British politician and diplomat who has served in a number of high-profile positions over the course of her career. She was born in 1956 in Lancashire, England, and went on to study politics at Bedford College, University of London. After graduation, she worked in various roles in local government and non-profit organizations before entering politics.

Ashton began her political career as a member of the House of Lords, where she served as a Labor Party peer and worked on a number of important issues, including health and social services. In 2009, she was appointed as the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a position she held until 2014. During her tenure, Ashton played an important role in European diplomacy, representing the EU in negotiations with countries around the world.

Catherine Ashton played an important role in diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the West regarding Iran's nuclear program when she served as the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2009 to 2014. Ashton was responsible for leading the negotiations on behalf of the P5+1 group of countries (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China) in cooperation with Iran.

Ashton's negotiations were significant, as they contributed to the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in July 2015, which aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

SAB/