Oxford, UK – The Oxford Literature Festival is honored to welcome Rory Stewart, the acclaimed diplomat, author, and former British Cabinet Minister, for a special session on the state of global leadership. The event will take place at the Sheldonian Theatre on July 3, 2026.
Rory will discuss his bestselling memoir “Politics on the Edge”, offering a candid and behind-the-scenes look at the challenges facing modern governance. From his time as a diplomat in war-torn countries to his role as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, he will reflect on what it truly means to lead in times of crisis.
Event Highlights
- Candid conversation with Rory Stewart
- Behind-the-scenes look at British politics
- Discussion on global leadership and democracy
- Audience Q&A session
- Book signing after the event
- Tickets available for €15.00
About Rory Stewart
Rory Stewart is a British diplomat, author, and former Member of Parliament. He served as the UK’s Minister of State for International Development and as a diplomat in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflict zones. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including “The Places in Between” and “Politics on the Edge”.
Stewart is currently a visiting professor at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and continues to write and comment on international affairs and democratic governance.
About the Book: Politics on the Edge
In his bestselling memoir, Stewart delivers a “searing and honest” account of his time in Westminster, exposing the dysfunction at the heart of modern politics. The book explores the gap between political theory and practice, the challenges of leadership in a polarized world, and the urgent need for renewal in democratic institutions.
In this session, he will expand on these themes, reflecting on the pressures of leadership, the role of diplomacy, and the future of liberal democracy.
A Word from Rory Stewart
“The real challenge of leadership is not about vision or charisma. It’s about making impossible choices with imperfect information and still trying to do the right thing.”
— Rory Stewart
