Thant Myint-U

Thant Myint-U, author and grandson of U Thant, the first non-Western UN Secretary-General, shares fascinating insights into his grandfather's legacy. He recounts U Thant's journey from a small town in Burma to the UN during the tumultuous Cold War. Myint-U discusses the diplomatic challenges U Thant faced, including his pivotal role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, showcasing the vital importance of peacemaking and negotiation on the world stage. Personal anecdotes illuminate the profound impact of his grandfather's work in striving for a just world.

Thant Myint-U, a historian and author, is the grandson of U Thant, the third Secretary-General of the UN. He dives deep into U Thant's impactful mediation during crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the India-Pakistan War. They discuss the UN's fading influence due to political cynicism and critique the shift from idealism to realpolitik. Thant also reflects on Myanmar’s turbulent history and shares personal revelations from researching his new book, highlighting the tragedy of potential lost in his homeland.

Thant Myint-U, a historian and author, sheds light on his grandfather U Thant's crucial diplomatic role as the first Asian UN Secretary General during the turbulent 1960s. He discusses U Thant's impact in averting global crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis through skilled diplomacy. The conversation reveals the mystery behind his predecessor’s death and the Congo crisis, as well as the rise of non-aligned nations at the Bandung Conference, highlighting how these events shaped the UN's future in a post-colonial world.

Thant Myint-U, a historian and the grandson of former UN Secretary General U Thant, dives deep into a pivotal 'what if' scenario regarding the Vietnam War. He discusses how close U Thant came to facilitating peace talks between LBJ and the Vietcong in 1964. The conversation explores the implications of a possible early end to the war, the personal dynamics of Cold War diplomacy, and the larger geopolitical landscape that might have shifted dramatically. A fascinating look at missed opportunities and their cascading effects on history!

Thant Myint-U, a Cambridge University historian and grandson of former UN Secretary-General U Thant, reflects on the UN's peak influence during the 1960s. He shares insights on how U Thant played a pivotal role in averting nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis, facilitating critical communication between superpowers. The discussion highlights forgotten history, exploring the complexities of diplomacy and peace-making in a post-colonial world. Myint-U urges a renewed focus on the UN's mission amidst current global conflicts, especially in Gaza and Ukraine.