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40 Facts About Rory Stewart

Barbabra Easton

Written by Barbabra Easton

Modified & Updated: 10 Mar 2025

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Source: Wikipedia.org

Who is Rory Stewart? Rory Stewart is a man of many talents and experiences. Born on January 3, 1973, in Hong Kong, he has worn numerous hats: diplomat, politician, author, and adventurer. He studied at prestigious institutions like Eton College and Balliol College, Oxford. Stewart's career spans from serving in Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service to walking across Asia and Afghanistan. He authored bestselling books like The Places in Between and The Marches. In politics, he served as an MP and held various ministerial roles. Currently, he co-hosts The Rest Is Politics podcast and leads the charity GiveDirectly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rory Stewart's diverse journey from diplomat to politician to charity president showcases the power of passion and perseverance in shaping a meaningful career.
  • Stewart's commitment to ethical governance, community engagement, and global poverty alleviation highlights the importance of leadership driven by moral purpose and genuine compassion.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Education
02Academic and Diplomatic Career
03Adventures and Travel Writing
04Political Career
05Leadership Campaign and Resignation
06Post-Political Career
07Awards and Recognition
08Personal Life and Philosophical Views
09Community Engagement and Ethical Governance
10Publications and Future Projects
11Rory Stewart: A Life of Many Hats

Early Life and Education

Rory Stewart's journey began in a unique setting, shaping his diverse career and interests.

  1. Full Name: Roderick James Nugent Stewart.
  2. Date of Birth: January 3, 1973.
  3. Place of Birth: Hong Kong.
  4. Nationality: British.
  5. Education: Stewart's education started at The Dragon School in Oxford.
  6. Eton College: He later attended Eton College, where he developed a strong interest in geography and history.
  7. University of Oxford: Stewart studied at Balliol College, Oxford, earning his undergraduate degree.

Academic and Diplomatic Career

Stewart's academic achievements and diplomatic roles laid the foundation for his multifaceted career.

  1. Academic Background: Stewart is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) and the Royal Geographical Society (FRSGS).
  2. Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service: Stewart worked as a diplomat, serving in Indonesia and as the British Representative to Montenegro.

Adventures and Travel Writing

Stewart's passion for exploration led him to embark on remarkable journeys, which he later documented in his writings.

  1. Walk Across Asia: In 2000, Stewart took a leave from the Foreign Office to walk across Asia, a journey lasting over 18 months.
  2. Afghanistan Walk: He concluded his journey with a 36-day solo walk across Afghanistan in early 2002.
  3. Books: Stewart's travel experiences are captured in his books, including The Places in Between and Occupational Hazards or The Prince of the Marshes.

Political Career

Stewart's transition into politics saw him take on various roles and responsibilities within the UK government.

  1. Member of Parliament (MP): Stewart was elected as the MP for Penrith and The Border in 2010, serving until 2019.
  2. Ministerial Roles: He held various ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Environment, International Development, Africa, and Prisons.
  3. Secretary of State for International Development: Stewart served in this role in 2019.

Leadership Campaign and Resignation

Stewart's bid for leadership and subsequent resignation marked significant moments in his political journey.

  1. Leadership Campaign: In 2019, Stewart stood as a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister.
  2. Resignation from Cabinet: Stewart resigned from the cabinet when Boris Johnson became Prime Minister in July 2019.

Post-Political Career

After leaving politics, Stewart focused on writing, public speaking, and philanthropic work.

  1. GiveDirectly President: Stewart is currently the president of GiveDirectly, a global poverty-alleviation charity.
  2. Podcasting: Stewart co-hosts The Rest Is Politics podcast with Alastair Campbell.
  3. Television Work: Stewart has presented several documentaries, including The Legacy of Lawrence of Arabia and Afghanistan: The Great Game.

Awards and Recognition

Stewart's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

  1. Livingstone Medal: Awarded by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society in 2009.
  2. Ness Award: Received from the Royal Geographical Society in 2018.

Personal Life and Philosophical Views

Stewart's personal experiences and views on politics and society offer insight into his character and motivations.

  1. Family Background: Stewart was born in Hong Kong but moved to the UK at the age of eight.
  2. Relationship with Father: Stewart has spoken fondly of his relationship with his father.
  3. Critique of Politics: In his book How Not To Be a Politician, Stewart critiques the political system.
  4. Importance of Passion in Politics: He believes politics has lost its passion and moral purpose.

Community Engagement and Ethical Governance

Stewart emphasizes the importance of community and ethical governance in his work.

  1. Elite Transformation: Stewart discusses the transformation of elites in Britain and the United States.
  2. Community Engagement: Despite his distaste for the theatre of politics, Stewart acknowledges the importance of community engagement.
  3. Ethical Governance: Stewart emphasizes the importance of ethical governance and the need for politicians to be guided by a strong moral compass.

Publications and Future Projects

Stewart's writing and future projects continue to inspire and inform.

  1. Publications: Stewart has authored several books, including The Marches: Border Walks with My Father and How Not To Be a Politician: A Memoir.
  2. Professional Affiliations: Stewart held the position of Ryan Family Professor of Human Rights at Harvard University from 2008 to 2010.
  3. Public Speaking: Stewart is an engaging public speaker who has given numerous talks on his experiences.
  4. Media Appearances: He frequently appears in the media, sharing his insights on politics, governance, and global issues.
  5. Leadership Style: Stewart’s leadership style is characterized by his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
  6. Policy Initiatives: Stewart was involved in several policy initiatives aimed at improving international development, environmental protection, and prison reform.
  7. Cross-Party Collaboration: Despite being a Conservative, Stewart has shown a willingness to work across party lines.
  8. Critique of Brexit: He was a vocal critic of a no-deal Brexit during his leadership campaign.
  9. Community Development: Stewart believes in the importance of community development.
  10. Global Poverty Alleviation: As president of GiveDirectly, he is committed to alleviating global poverty.
  11. Future Projects: Stewart is currently involved in several future projects, including writing new books and continuing his work with GiveDirectly.

Rory Stewart: A Life of Many Hats

Rory Stewart's life is a tapestry of diverse experiences. From diplomat to politician, travel writer to podcaster, he's worn many hats. His journey across Asia, chronicled in "The Places in Between," showcases his adventurous spirit. As a Member of Parliament, he tackled issues from international development to prison reform. Stewart's candid critique of politics, detailed in "How Not To Be a Politician," offers a unique insider's perspective. His work with GiveDirectly highlights his commitment to global poverty alleviation. Through documentaries and public speaking, he continues to engage and inspire. Rory Stewart's multifaceted career and unwavering dedication to ethical governance make him a compelling figure. Whether walking across continents or navigating the corridors of power, Stewart's story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of making a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rory Stewart?
Rory Stewart's a British politician, diplomat, and author known for his diverse career and unique perspectives. He's served as a Member of Parliament (MP), worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, and even walked across parts of Asia. His experiences have made him a respected voice in international affairs and British politics.
What did Rory Stewart do before politics?
Before diving into the political arena, Stewart had quite an adventurous life. He was a diplomat, serving in Indonesia and the Balkans. Not stopping there, he embarked on a remarkable journey on foot across Afghanistan, which he documented in his book "The Places in Between." His early career laid a foundation for his understanding of global issues.
How did Rory Stewart stand out in British politics?
In British politics, Stewart made his mark with his hands-on approach and willingness to challenge the status quo. He's known for his detailed knowledge of rural affairs, his advocacy for environmental issues, and his candid communication style. Unlike many politicians, he often took to walking around constituencies, directly engaging with the public.
What are some key achievements of Rory Stewart?
Among his achievements, Stewart's work on environmental conservation and rural development stands out. He played a significant role in the establishment of the National Citizen Service, a youth program in the UK. His efforts in international development, particularly in conflict zones, have also been widely recognized.
Did Rory Stewart write any books?
Yes, Stewart is an accomplished author with several books to his name. His writings, including "The Places in Between" about his trek across Afghanistan and "Occupational Hazards" about his time in Iraq, offer insights into his experiences and the complexities of the regions he's worked in.
Why did Rory Stewart leave the Conservative Party?
Stewart left the Conservative Party due to disagreements over Brexit and the party's direction under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He felt that the party was veering away from its traditional values and that the approach to Brexit was damaging to the country. His departure highlighted his willingness to stand up for his principles.
What is Rory Stewart doing now?
After leaving politics, Stewart has remained active in public affairs. He's taken on roles in academia, non-profit organizations, and media. His work continues to focus on international development, environmental issues, and promoting dialogue on key global challenges.

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