The Legacy of Henry Kissinger

Henry Kissinger, a renowned US. secretary of state, died on November 29, 2023 in Kent, Connecticut at age 100. Serving from 1969 to 1977, his legacy includes orchestrating the opening of communication and trade between the United States and China, the exit from the Vietnam War, and the remaking of the US’s relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Kissinger is considered one of the most influential individuals to ever serve as secretary of state. Over the course of his life, he advised twelve US presidents in varying capacities and also negotiated with China over the former territories that were held by Communists during the Chinese Civil War. Kissinger helped manage the economic, military and technological rise of China. During the Cold War, he facilitated treaties to control nuclear arms. In 1973, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating peace agreements that ended America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.  

Many view Kissinger as a controversial figure due to contention over his negotiations that ended the United States’ involvement in Vietnam. Some believe that by continuing to fight in Vietnam, the United States could have saved thousands of lives. In the end, North Vietnam regained control of South Vietnam, which had been previously backed by the United States. 

Furthermore, Kissinger was accused of breaking international law when he authorized bombing in Cambodia, which began in 1965. He had been trying to eliminate the pro-Communist Viet Cong forces that were based there, and as a result, over 50,000 civilians were killed. 

Despite his controversial actions, many continue to admire Kissinger for his work. He supported limited nuclear warfare. Kissinger will forever remain an influential foreign policy figure in the United States’ history as his legacy continues on. 

By MADELEINE HODGES