Globalist: Peter Sutherland - His Life and Legacy

Peter Sutherland, an Irishman, has had a significant impact on world history over the past 25 years. He was the youngest ever attorney general, European Commissioner, chairman of Goldman Sachs International, BP, and UN special representative for migration. His time as head of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was a defining moment in modern history, presiding over the signing of the Uruguay round of multilateral trade negotiations. He is considered the "father of globalization" and urged countries to allow in more migrants. Brexit and the election of Donald Trump have delivered two blows to the world order he helped to construct.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Peter Sutherland, a prominent Irish figure, has left an indelible mark on global history over the past 25 years. His remarkable career has seen him assume influential roles as the youngest attorney general, European Commissioner, chairman of Goldman Sachs International, BP, and the United Nations Special Representative for Migration. His tenure as the head of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) during the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations was a pivotal moment in modern history, resulting in the signing of the historic agreement in 1994.

Sutherland's influence extended beyond trade, as he played a crucial role in shaping the global economy. He was described as the "father of globalization" by former US Trade Secretary Mickey Kantor, highlighting his role in unleashing the forces of globalisation. However, his ideas and actions were met with both praise and criticism. In 2012, Sutherland's remarks on the need for less "homogeneity" in populations by allowing in more migrants sparked a backlash, reflecting the complex and divisive nature of his legacy.

In the final years of his life, Sutherland witnessed significant disruptions to the world order he had helped to construct. The Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump marked significant setbacks for global cooperation and stability. The Globalist, an in-depth biography, delves into the life and career of Peter Sutherland, shedding light on his influential role in shaping the global economy and the complex challenges he faced throughout his career.

Sutherland's journey began in Ireland, where he grew up in a family with a strong commitment to public service. He pursued a legal career, becoming the youngest attorney general in Ireland's history at the age of 32. His political career took off when he was appointed European Commissioner for External Relations in 1985, a position he held until 1989.

During his time as European Commissioner, Sutherland played a key role in shaping European Union (EU) foreign policy. He advocated for a more assertive EU role in international affairs, promoting trade liberalisation and cooperation among member states. He also played a significant role in the negotiation of the Single European Act, which streamlined EU regulations and paved the way for further integration.

Sutherland's transition to the corporate world was marked by his appointment as chairman of Goldman Sachs International in 1989. He served in this role for 12 years, during which he oversaw the global expansion of the prestigious investment bank. His leadership at Goldman Sachs was marked by his commitment to ethical and responsible business practices, and he was recognised for his contributions to the financial industry.

In 1994, Sutherland took on a new challenge as the head of the GATT, the global trade organisation. His tenure at the GATT was marked by significant achievements, including the successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations. The round resulted in the removal of trade barriers and the creation of a more open and liberalised global trading system.

Sutherland's leadership at the GATT was widely praised, and he was appointed the first head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 1995. His tenure at the WTO was marked by efforts to further expand global trade and promote economic growth. He played a key role in the negotiation of the WTO's founding treaty, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and was instrumental in the establishment of the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism.

Sutherland's influence extended beyond the world of trade and economics. He was appointed as the United Nations Special Representative for Migration in 2000, a position he held until 2005. In this role, he worked to address the challenges of migration, including human rights, refugee settlement, and the integration of migrants into host communities.

Sutherland's legacy is multifaceted and complex. He has been praised for his leadership and contributions to global trade, his commitment to ethical and responsible business practices, and his efforts to address global challenges such as migration. However, he has also faced criticism for his remarks on immigration and his role in shaping the global economy.

In conclusion, Peter Sutherland has left an indelible mark on global history over the past 25 years. His remarkable career has seen him assume influential roles in politics, the corporate world, and international diplomacy. His time as the head of the GATT and the WTO was marked by significant achievements in trade liberalisation and the promotion of economic growth. While his ideas and actions have been met with both praise and criticism, his legacy will continue to be debated and studied for years to come.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008352127