NEW BOOK

The Education of a Statesman

How Global Leaders Can Repair a Fractured World

The Education of a Statesman examines Jan Eliasson’s remarkable career, including as Sweden’s foreign minister, president of the United Nations General Assembly, and UN Deputy Secretary-General. The book scrutinizes the many lessons he learned which are applicable to our turbulent times. Eliasson helps us understand the substance, theatre, and spirit of diplomacy—statecraft, stagecraft, and soulcraft. His story provides insights on what can be done to renew the international order and calm the raging discontent that has infected politics the world over.

“Shaw has written a twofer: A first-rate primer on the art and science of diplomacy and a fascinating and well-written biography of the Swedish diplomat Jan Eliasson, whose accomplishments in the United Nations and other multilateral forums are without equal.”
—Donald McHenry,
former U.S. ambassador to the UN

“This work by an experienced and thoughtful journalist illuminates the world of diplomacy through the life of Jan Eliasson, a statesman who, though representing a small country, nonetheless had a large impact. It has a lot to teach those curious about one of the oldest but least understood professions, and how it can help mend a wounded world.”
—Eliot A. Cohen,
Center for Strategic and International Studies

“Shaw’s examination of the life and work of one of the most consequential diplomats—Jan Eliasson—is a timely must-read for any student or practitioner of diplomacy in the modern age.”
—Barbara K. Bodine,
Director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University

“Eliasson’s boundless energy and optimism, sources of inspiration for those of us fortunate enough to have worked with him, jumps off the pages in Shaw’s account. At the UN, Eliasson’s hands-on approach touched countless people, and Shaw’s book is the next best thing to being in Eliasson’s company.”
—Jeffrey Feltman,
Brookings Institution, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs

“…this is no mere biography. (Shaw) uses Eliasson’s professional life as both commentary and metaphor—field notes and guiding paradigm-and uses the vocation of statecraft to throw light on one of its finest practitioners. As Shaw shows, our fractured world needs more Eliassons.”
—Ruth A. Davis,
former Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service

Chess pieces on world map background - Set of chess pieces on a wooden board against the backdrop of a colorful, aged world map, evoking themes of global strategy and power play

About John

John Shaw has served as the director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute since January 2018. He established its “Better Politics, Smarter Government” agenda with the Reimagining American Statesmanship, Understanding Our New World, and Renewing Illinois programs as its pillars.

Prior to his tenure at the Institute, Shaw was a reporter in Washington, DC for more than twenty-five years. He covered Congress for Market News International, a global financial wire service, and the diplomatic community for The Washington Diplomat, a monthly magazine. He is a frequent political commentator for national and international news outlets and writes a monthly essay about statesmanship for The Chicago Tribune.

Read full bio Contact John

Statesmanship

Shaw has long been fascinated by statesmanship which he defines as exceptional leadership characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, and civility. His work explores how statesmanship has shaped American history and how a reimagined statesmanship can help the nation address its pressing challenges.

John F. Kennedy

JFK was one of the most compelling political figures of the 20th century. Young, wealthy, bright, and ambitious, he grew into a formidable and charismatic leader. Shaw has explored critical aspects of Kennedy’s career and is an expert on his congressional years and transition to the presidency.

Political Commentary

As a journalist, professor, and public policy institute director Shaw has provided analysis of American and international politics for dozens of media outlets for more than a quarter century.