Overview
While military exploits and Churchill’s leadership dominate history books, Peace Makers reveals how the men and women of the Foreign Office forged alliances, supported resistance movements, managed refugee crises and laid the groundwork for the post-war international order.
Lord Ricketts will discuss how the war transformed the Foreign Office, opening doors for pioneering men and women to redefine Britain’s global role. He will offer a new perspective on the war, one that highlights diplomacy as a frontline force, and considers how its legacy continues to shape our world.
The event will be moderated by Professor Patrick Salmon, Chief Historian, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Peace Makers – Shaping The Modern World: The Men and Women of the Foreign Office in WWII was published by Quarto on 7 May 2026. Copies of the book can be purchased after the event.
About the Speaker
Lord Ricketts GCMG GCVO spent 40 years as a British diplomat, before retiring in early 2016. In a wide-ranging career, he served as Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCO (2006-10), UK National Security Adviser (2010-12) and latterly as UK Ambassador to France (2012-16). He is Vice-Chair of RUSI
Lord Ricketts
Joining Instructions
This event is open to all members and will take place at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please email [email protected].
