Rory Stewart

Rory Stewart

Rory Stewart in 2023
Name	Rory Stewart
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Hong Kong
Death date
Death place
Alma mater	Balliol College, Oxford, Harvard University
Occupation	Politician, Author, Academic
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Roderick James Nugent Stewart, commonly known as Rory Stewart, is a British politician, author, and academic. Born on January 3, 1973, in Hong Kong, Stewart has had a diverse career spanning diplomacy, politics, and education. He is known for his work as a Member of Parliament (MP), his writings on international affairs, and his leadership roles in various non-governmental organizations.

Early Life and Education

Rory Stewart was born in Hong Kong to Brian Stewart, a diplomat, and Sally Elizabeth Acland Nugent. He spent his early years in Malaysia and Scotland. Stewart attended the Dragon School in Oxford and later Eton College. He went on to study Modern History at Balliol College, Oxford, where he graduated with a first-class degree. Following his undergraduate studies, Stewart attended Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar.

Diplomatic Career

After completing his education, Stewart joined the British Foreign Office in 1995. He served in various capacities, including as a diplomat in Indonesia and as the British Representative to Montenegro during the Kosovo War. His experiences in the Balkans and the Middle East significantly influenced his later writings and political views.

Political Career

Stewart entered British politics as a member of the Conservative Party. He was elected as the MP for Penrith and The Border in 2010. During his tenure, Stewart held several ministerial positions, including Minister of State for International Development and Minister of State for Prisons. He was known for his independent thinking and willingness to challenge party lines.

In 2019, Stewart ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party but was eliminated in the early rounds. Following this, he left the party and announced his candidacy for the Mayor of London as an independent, although he later withdrew from the race.

Academic and Literary Contributions

Rory Stewart is also a prolific author and academic. He has written several books, including The Places in Between, which recounts his solo walk across Afghanistan in 2002. The book received critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of Afghan culture and politics.

Stewart has held academic positions at Harvard University and Yale University, where he has taught courses on international relations and public policy. His academic work often focuses on the challenges of state-building and governance in post-conflict regions.

Personal Life

Stewart is married to Shoshana Clark, and they have two children. The family resides in Scotland. Stewart is known for his love of walking and has undertaken several long-distance walks across various countries, which have inspired much of his writing.

Also see

• British Foreign Office
• Conservative Party (UK)
• Penrith and The Border
• The Places in Between
• State-building