Book excerpt: The Inside Story is a fascinating account of life at the centre of the Commonwealth's administrative structure and a remarkable insight into how international diplomacy functions at the highest level. On his appointment, Emeka Anyaoku, embarked on a path of careful political diplomacy, often at odds with the more confrontational approach adopted by others, and put the Commonwealth at the centre of negotiating the peaceful rebuilding of a new democratic South Africa. The diplomatic skill, humour and determination that Emeka demonstrated in his handling of the this situation are trademarks of his career in service to the Commonwealth.