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The Leaderless Revolution: How Ordinary People Can Take Power and Change Politics in the 21st Century Hardcover – 1 Sep 2011

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Carne Ross (Author)
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Carne Ross (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars 15 customer reviews
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Product details

  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster (1 Sept. 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1847375340
  • ISBN-13: 978-1847375346
  • Product Dimensions: 15.3 x 2.8 x 23.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 708,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Review

'So bold, so full of incontestable truths and overwhelming convictions, that it should be read by every diplomat, politician and thinking citizen with the courage to pick it up' --John le Carré

'it should be read by every diplomat, politician and thinking citizen with the courage to pick it up'
--John le Carré

'A former British diplomat issues a refreshing mea culpa and sets out a radical manifesto for people-power... Carne Ross takes up where Naomi Klein, Noreena Hertz and others left off. This is an impassioned, idealistic critique of the state of global politics and the deepening rift between those with power and those without' --Observer

'In the face of 21st-century ills, this disillusioned former British diplomat makes a startling and compelling case for revolution in the shape of peaceful anarchism and individual agency' --Telegraph

In the face of 21st-century ills, this disillusioned former British diplomat makes a startling and compelling case for revolution in the shape of peaceful anarchism and individual agency --Telegraph

About the Author

Carne Ross is a former senior British diplomat, author and journalist. Having resigned from the British foreign service after giving secret testimony to an official inquiry into the Iraq war (he was Britain's Iraq WMD and sanctions expert at the UN for over 4 years) he then set up the world's first independent diplomatic advisory group, Independent Diplomat.

Customer Reviews

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Top Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsRe-writing anarchism
By RobertBlaszczak on 11 Aug. 2012
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
Anarchists have a bad name. At best, your first thoughts are the rebellious Iroquois hairdo punks wearing leather jackets and listening to the Clash. An ancient picture, really. At worst, and most likely, they are the masked youth carrying vigorous aggression in their eyes. A suited and booted former British diplomat enjoying highlife and business class airline tickets would not be your first guess, surely.

Yet, in his latest book Carne Ross fiercely advocates that various forms of anarchy should be the means and end of what we strive to achieve in building local, regional and international communities. Being honest, if I was introduced to The Leaderless Revolution in that way, I would not have bothered ordering it from Amazon. I would have missed out on a very well-argued and thought-provoking read, too. Convincing? Comme ci, comme ça...

Having been following Mr Ross' work for the past few years, I may say that his career is of some inspiration for wannabe diplomats and young adepts of foreign policy-making and international relations. Fast-tracked to the FCO, he quickly joined the highest ranks of the UK's mission to the UN. Who would not dream about that? (Writing these words, my application to the UN is open in other window.) It would have been an overstatement to say that Mr Ross left the diplomatic corps in a heroic attempt to fight for his moral beliefs. Nevertheless, an underlying explanation why he did it has borne fruit with this latest book.

Strangely-structured - at least these were my early thoughts - The Leaderless Revolution begins with a number of somehow randomly chosen examples of citizens' direct participation or the lack thereof.Read more ›
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3.0 out of 5 starslike knowing how an engine works means you have the ...
By karen voncripps on 22 Sept. 2014
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This book has been written by someone who has been eye to eye with the 'system'. The main thing to remember with this book is he tells you how it works, with the idea that, like knowing how an engine works means you have the information on how to fix it, -or break it. As someone who worked in the diplomatic corps, he should know. An economist he is not, an activist, he is not that either. i got the strong impression he is someone who suddenly saw a government out to make money from war and he was part of the mechanics that allowed that to happen. The death toll of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan weigh upon him hard. It caused him to resign, and become a lone world in the world of diplomacy. He gives you what he knows, but not directions, not solutions, not really, its not a hand book for revolution, only how the 'jenga towers' work, how to use the system and change things. Personally, i am not sure that is enough now. I finished the book feeling as if i had learned a some valuable things like the government has a system you have to play, but pays little mind to the people on the street, and none to the protesters outside.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThought-provoking and inspiring
By Ardian Arifaj on 15 Oct. 2011
Format: Kindle Edition
Very well written, very informative and - most importantly - very thought-provoking book. There is something Nietzsche-ian in the quest for the men/women who is aware of his/her powers but also his/her responsibilities. Ross doesn't want to destroy everything. He is not against the old, but he wants a better new. Ross wants a "science of complex systems" and new politics in which the men/women is again in the centre of all attention; not politicians, governments or corporations. Ross doesn't simply repeat that there is something wrong with the world today. He wants to find solutions.
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3.0 out of 5 starsShow us the Way
By Justin Thyme on 5 Oct. 2011
Format: Hardcover
The author demonstrates that politicians, statesmen and diplomats are commonly duplicitous, delusional and self-serving and that the present global politico-economic system gives little cause for hope - but we knew that already.

I read books such as this because all suggestions are welcome when the prognosis for humanity is depressing, but I'm afraid that the present contribution fails to offer the credible alternative which its title implies. Inspired by the Arab Spring, the author hopes that in future "ordinary people will take power" and he quotes Gandhi's salt march by way of illustration. However the jury is still out on the eventual outcome of the Arab Spring and, more generally, it is unlikely that popular movements will invariably prove beneficial.
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5.0 out of 5 starsJust what we need
By books on 14 Oct. 2012
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
A marvellous analysis and possible solutions to the current political and economic mess our supposed leaders are creating.The political class are just out to help themselves and their rich friends.This book calls for real democracy,not the candy floss type which just plays lip service to 'the people'.
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4.0 out of 5 starsThe solution to the worlds problems is ...You!
By Feyd on 21 Nov. 2011
Format: Hardcover
A gorgeously written book, in parts staggeringly superficial, yet championing a truth that might transform the world.

In lazer sharp prose, Ross illuminates the importance and relevance to our current world of several ancient truths:

*Actions speak louder than worlds.
*The individual does have the power to effect meaningful change.
*Participatory democracy can be strangely beautiful to experience, and giving regular folk the agency to take political decisions can be a highly effective way to solve local problems.

Ross aruges that if we are to make the world a better place, we as individuals need to physically engage with problems, as opposed to merely supporting good causes by donations and signing e-petitions.

Despite the books stellar qualities, Im only awarding 4 stars, as I fear theres a chance the work will have a net negative effect. So obviously sincere, this book may bewitch good natured people into effectively joining with free marketeers in their battle to minimize the benevolent (and tax raising) power of the state.

Similar to Le Carre who also served as a diplomat, Ross openly admits he's still traumatized by the harmful actions he participated in and witnessed on behalf of the state.

There's two token sentences saying many of those in public service are good people, but over half the book is relating stories showing the corruption and impotence of politicians, civil servants, journalists, NGOs, multilaterals and most of all the state. Ross even goes as far as to invent a half baked theory suggesting that even with the best of intentions its often impossible for the state and the current system of internal diplomacy to produce good outcomes, due to various supposed inherent contradictions.Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsCome the Revolution Brother !

Clear, written for someone who has little in depth knowledge of politics but very concise and interesting . I bought two more for revolutionary friends

Published 22 months ago by Magikmum
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

MY son loved it and did not put it down for days

Published 23 months ago by Carrott4me
5.0 out of 5 starsEmpowering and informative

A well written and enlightening book particularly regarding the author's specific experiences in his role as a British diplomat which I found at times quite startling and... Read more

Published on 24 July 2012 by J. Eade
4.0 out of 5 starsinteresting book

In this book, the anther tried to explain the root of all the political instability we are witnessing these days in all over the world, providing specific points any people need to... Read more

Published on 10 July 2012 by Karam Almustaa
5.0 out of 5 starsA peaceful call to arms

Carne Ross's worked with the diplomatic corps for 20 years, he's seen how corruption and greed have poisoned politics. Read more

Published on 22 Jan. 2012 by S. L. Naish
4.0 out of 5 starsAmbitious attempt to outline a better future for global governance

Frequently described as a "high flying former diplomat", Carne Ross resigned from the Foreign Office over the Iraq War. Read more

Published on 15 Jan. 2012 by James Denselow
5.0 out of 5 starsMust read for people interested in politics

This book is very well written, if more people do what is written here and take the advise, the world will be a much better place. Read more

Published on 13 Oct. 2011 by Lewis P.
5.0 out of 5 starsVery interesting read!

This book is exceptionally well written, it conveys complex political ideas in an easy palatable laymans way. Read more

Published on 7 Oct. 2011 by Stephen Mead

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