I do a lot of work with policymakers, but how much effect am I having? Itโs like theyโre coming in and saying to you, โIโm going to drive my car off a cliff. Should I or should I not wear a seatbelt?โ And you say, โI donโt think you should drive your car off the cliff.โ And they say, โNo, no, that bitโs already been decidedโthe question is whether to wear a seatbelt.โ And you say, โWell, you might as well wear a seatbelt.โ And then they say, โWeโve consulted with policy expert Rory Stewart and he says . . . .โ
Rory StewartThe world isnt one way or another. Things can be changed very, very rapidly by someone with sufficient confidence, sufficient knowledge and sufficient authority.
Rory StewartI found incredible kindness, dignity and hospitality in both Iraq and Afghanistan - am only alive because of it - the most worthwhile lesson of a twenty month walk to these countries was a deepening appreciation of the kindness of strangers.
Rory Stewart