Excerpt from Book review by R M Austin in Sunday Stabroek, March 15, 2009.
"The examination by Joseph of the diplomacy of both Burham and Jagan takes place in the
wider context of the consideration of the kind of statesmanship that would be required to end the agony of the border dispute and its enervating effect on Guyana's development. Joseph makes it clear that national unity is a prerequisite to the conduct of the kind of diplomacy necessary to win us peace in the east and the west. Here is his conclusion: "It is their (Venezuela and Suriname's) interpretation of the cohesiveness and vulnerability of the Guyanese state that will continue to be a decisive factor in fostering a resolution."
One puts down this book impressed by its range and scope and the consistent high quality of the writing. It is comprehensive, authoritative and enlightening. It is a judicious blend of narrative, analysis and recommendation. For Joseph offers some policy solutions such as the revamping of the "Good Officer" process and using the need for economic development to soften animosities between Guyana and Venezuela The footnotes are copious and highly instructive; the Index, superb. In the end. I believe this is the best book of its kind in the English language...."
