Land of Shame and Glory

This insightful examination of 2021 and 2022 reveals the challenges faced by Britain, as explored in Land of Shame and Glory by Peter Hennessy.

In Land of Shame and Glory, Peter Hennessy meticulously examines the tumultuous years of 2021 and 2022, a period marked by significant upheaval in Britain. Drawing from his extensive political and historical expertise, Hennessy delves into the consequences of the protracted withdrawal from the EU, alongside the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. These events laid bare the vulnerabilities of Britain and the United Kingdom, revealing the fragility of its institutions during times of crisis.

The narrative begins with the chaotic Fall of Kabul, which highlighted Britain's military reliance on the United States. Hennessy then transitions to the political turmoil surrounding the removal of a prime minister and the subsequent, economically disastrous tenure of his successor. These developments further exposed the weaknesses inherent in an unwritten constitution. As the country faced record-breaking temperatures and dire climate warnings, Hennessy illustrates how these crises compounded the challenges faced by British society.

In the concluding chapter of Land of Shame and Glory, Hennessy reflects on the last seventy years, pondering whether a second 'Elizabethan Age' can be identified amid the upheaval. He expresses a sense of loss as the post-war era concludes during such tumultuous times, ultimately questioning the future of the nation in light of its recent history.