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Rodric BraithwaiteBritish diplomat and writer
Date of Birth: 17.05.1932
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Sir Roderick Braithwaite: British Diplomat and Author
- Military and Diplomatic Service
- Knighthood and Honors
- Advocacy Against the Iraq Invasion
- Marriage and Family
- Views on Soviet-British Relations
- Assessment of Cold War History
- Views on the Litvinenko Murder
Sir Roderick Braithwaite: British Diplomat and Author
Early Life and EducationSir Roderick Braithwaite was born in the United Kingdom. He pursued his education at Bedales School and Christ's College, Cambridge.
Military and Diplomatic Service
In 1951-52, Braithwaite served in military intelligence in Vienna. From 1955 onwards, he embarked on a diplomatic career. Between 1963 and 1966, he worked at the British Embassy in Moscow.
Assistant Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
In 1988-1992, Braithwaite served as British Ambassador to the USSR (later Russia). From 1992-1993, he headed the Joint Intelligence Committee.
Knighthood and Honors
Braithwaite was knighted as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG) in 1994. He holds an honorary doctorate and professorship at the University of Birmingham.
Advocacy Against the Iraq Invasion
In 2005, Braithwaite publicly expressed his opposition to British involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He stated that he had doubts about the presence of weapons of mass destruction and saw no evidence linking Saddam Hussein to Al-Qaeda.
Marriage and Family
Braithwaite has been married to Gillian Robinson since 1961.Author of Historical Books
Braithwaite is the author of several books on Russian history. He is currently working on a book about the Afghan War (1979-1989), scheduled for release in 2011.
Views on Soviet-British Relations
Braithwaite has commented on the complex relationship between Britain and Russia. He believes that their ties have historically been less close compared to other European countries.
Assessment of Cold War History
Braithwaite argues that both the Soviet Union and the West presented biased accounts of World War II. He rejects the notion that the D-Day landings were the decisive factor.
Views on the Litvinenko Murder
In 2007, Braithwaite expressed his personal opinion on the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. He questioned the professionalism of the killers and dismissed allegations that the Kremlin was involved.
