Former leaders find that all the world's their stage

Europe's loss may be the world's gain. Two of its heavyweight statesmen are retiring from national politics, but that doesn't mean they have finished with trying to make a difference on the world stage.

According to aides, both Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac are looking to follow the example of Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, and others in setting up the kind of foundation that seeks to make the world a better place.

Mr. Chirac plans to focus on Africa and development, while Blair is reportedly toying with the idea of interfaith dialogue, particularly among the three Abrahamic religions.

It's the kind of freelance troubleshooting becoming far more noticeable in a diplomatic world teeming with stubborn transnational problems and eager ex-statesmen. These days, politicians tend to reach the top earlier and live longer, leaving them with years of opportunity after holding office (Blair is 54, as was Mr. Clinton when he stepped down.)

"I would hope that Tony Blair could play a positive political role – he still has 20 years of juice in him," says Denis MacShane, a member of Parliament and former minister in Blair's government. "Blair's name opens more doors than any British prime minister's has done in decades."

Globalization meanwhile, is generating problems that, as Clinton is fond of saying, are too big for governments (think climate change, HIV/AIDS, poverty), and sometimes too intractable for the UN.

"What they bring ... is an enormous reservoir of knowledge of having dealt with these problems," says Geoff Pigman, an expert in global governance at Bennington College in Vermont. "They also bring a huge network of contacts within their countries and internationally. These are dynamic individuals who serve early ... and are not willing to let go the desire to influence things. They think they can still make a contribution."

Blair's plans have not been confirmed as he doesn't leave office until June 27. Mr. MacShane says that despite taking a hit from his Iraq campaign, Blair is well placed to spearhead greater understanding between the three monotheistic faiths.

"He is known as a friend of British Jews, he carries the Koran and the Bible around with him, but he never allowed religion to stand in the way of social development," MacShane says, noting in particular Blair's moves to champion gay rights.

He adds that there would appear to be a niche for "a man who can go round the world and say it is possible to believe and be a good evangelist while respecting such things as society and the rule of law, and don't mix the two together."

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