Renowned for orchestrating the United States’ opening to China, negotiating its departure from Vietnam, and deftly restructuring American power dynamics with the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War, Henry A. Kissinger, the scholar-turned-diplomat, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 100 at his residence in the US state of Connecticut, marking an end of an era in international diplomacy.
Born Heinz Alfred Kissinger in Fuerth, Germany, on May 27, 1923, he fled the Nazi regime in 1938 as a Jewish refugee to the US, where he attended high school in the night and worked in a shaving brush factory during the day. His journey from such humble origins to a key player in American foreign policy is a testament to his resilience and intellect.
Upon graduation, he studied accounting at the City College of New York but was drafted into the army in 1943 before completing his degree. Due to his knowledge of German he was appointed in an infantry division intelligence unit which had been tasked with identifying Nazis as the Allies advanced their positions in Europe. It was during his time in the army that he met Fritz Kraemer, a political scientist and fellow German refugee, who would become his first mentor and influence his decision to transfer to Harvard.
Kissinger’s academic pursuits at Harvard, where he earned both a bachelor’s, Master’s and a doctorate degree, marked the beginning of his intellectual contributions. His first book, “Nuclear Weapons and Foreign Policy” (1957), challenged conventional wisdom, offering insights on how new, ultra-destructive weapons should be adapted to the requirements of diplomacy. His ambitions went beyond academia as he wrote for think tanks and took consulting jobs for the National Security Council and State Department under Presidents John F Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson
In 1968, Kissinger started to support Nixon, eventually becoming his National Security Advisor. Distrustful of the State Department’s career diplomats, Nixon believed that Kissinger would make the White House the center of foreign policy. By late 1973, with Nixon embroiled in the Watergate scandal, Kissinger became Secretary of State, keeping the post until January 1977 following Ford’s election defeat to Jimmy Carter.
In the realm of diplomacy, Kissinger’s ambitions knew no bounds. His realpolitik approach, focusing on power and practical considerations, earned him both admirers and vehement critics. Notably, Kissinger’s role in redefining US relationships, ending the Vietnam War for which he even won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, and his groundbreaking outreach to China are central to his legacy. The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with Moscow and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty showcased his cold-eyed view of advancing US interests. His recognition as an international power-broker, adorned with his sharp-witted monotone and bookishly thick glasses, made him instantly recognizable to the public.
However, controversy clung to Kissinger. He faced vehement criticism for his role in events including the secret bombing campaigns in Laos and Cambodia and his support for military coups in Chile and Indonesia. Accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity have been leveled against him, particularly regarding Chile’s Marxist elected president Salvador Allende, the green-lighting of Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor in 1975, and the blind eye turned to Pakistan’s mass atrocities during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence.
Despite criticism, Kissinger’s influence persisted beyond his tenure as secretary of state, as he continued to capitalize on his image as a global strategist and consultant for decades. His continuing influence and impact was evident when he visited China and met President Xi Jingping in July 2023 who Described him as a cherished “old friend” for whom he holds immense respect.
As we reflect on the fortuitous series of events that shaped Kissinger’s life, from fleeing Nazi Germany to becoming a prominent figure in American diplomacy, it is essential to acknowledge the controversies that define his legacy. The realpolitik calculus that guided his decisions continues to spark debate, emphasizing the intricate balance between national interests and global responsibility.
In his passing at the age of 100, Henry Kissinger leaves behind a legacy that invites reflection and examination. His contributions, intellectual insights, and the controversies that surrounded him ensure that his influence will be dissected and debated for years to come. The story of Henry Kissinger serves as a reminder that the pursuit of power, diplomacy, and international relations is a complex journey, filled with triumphs and tribulations, shaping the course of history in ways both profound and contentious.