Sir Ivor Roberts KCMG FCIL served in the British Diplomatic Service for nearly forty years. He served his country in Lebanon, France, Luxembourg, Australia, Vanuatu, Spain and served as British Ambassador to Yugoslavia during the Balkans war. He was posted as Ambassador to Ireland immediately following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and also served as Ambassador to Italy. During that time and, among many roles, he was sent to deal with a rebellion, was involved in the complex and delicate negotiation of releasing hostages and served as the Foreign Office's Head of Counter Terrorism.

His memoir of his years in the Balkans, Conversations with Milosevic, was published in 2016. After a glittering career as a diplomat, he became President of Trinity College, Oxford.

In this conversation Ivor shares his experiences and perspectives; from Terry Waite to Milosevic to Silvio Berlusconi to who poses the biggest threat today plus some funny anecdotes and what to expect from a career in the Diplomatic Service.

Related Links

Conversations With Milosevic

Parting Shots