Why Is Henry Kissinger Important

Diplomatic history dates back to ancient times. Undoubtedly, each epoch had its great diplomats, who have contributed not only to the development of international relations, but also had an impact on the course of world history. One of the most famous and successful diplomats of all times is Henry Alfred Kissinger, the American diplomat, statesman and expert in the field of international relations. The name of this person attracts the attention of many politicians, scientists and analysts for many years. And it is not surprising, as he has been one of the most respectful personalities in international relations since a long time.
In the following essay I will try to evaluate Henry Kissinger’s most essential achievements and the importance of
his political activity, aiming to explain his personal point of view towards diplomacy and world politics, analyzing his methods and exceptional talent. To start with, I will briefly view the key facts of his biography to see the circumstances which led to the diplomat’s success. After the analysis of Kissinger’s efforts to the foreign policy of The USA, I will conclude with critical assessment of his diplomatic potential.

Biography
Henry Kissinger was born in 1923 in Furth, Germany, during the period of the Weimar Republic.
In 1938, because of the Nazi persecution, his family had to move to the New York City. Future diplomat assimilated to American culture very quickly.
During his military service in army of the USA he showed himself as intellectually developed and perspective person. He volunteered for a number of risky reconnaissance tasks during that times, and all his efforts were always crowned with success. He has been repeatedly awarded for great achievements. At an early age of 23, he started to teach at the European Command Intelligence School. (https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/kissinger-henry-a)
In 1950, Kissinger graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College. In 1952 and 1954 he received his Master’s Degree and PhD in Philosophy in Harvard University. After graduation, he continued to work at the University, being a member of teaching staff in the Department of Government and also as a manager of various programs, including the project called “Harvard International Seminar”, purpose of which was to collect young leaders around the world together in the fight against communism during the Cold War and to strengthen the influence of traditional Western values. Seminar immediately attracted the attention of the CIA, which supported the workshop and sponsored its growing budget for years. Kissinger led this workshop every summer from 1951 until 1965, and in 1967 and was its director from 1951 until 1971. He also consulted several government agencies, some of them were The Department of State, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, Operations Research Office and
others.
In the years 1955-1956 this person was a director of research in the field of nuclear weapons and foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. During 1956-1958 he worked in the Rockefeller Brothers Fund as the Director of Special Research Project.
Kissinger supported Nelson Rockefeller, Governor of New York, and was his adviser when he was nominated as a candidate for the Republican presidential. In late 1968, the newly elected President Richard Nixon chose Kissinger as his National Security Advisor. From this point, Kissinger made his way into the corridors of the White House.
Diplomat also served as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State under Richard Nixon. It was the first time when one person held two positions at the same time. Then he continued to serve as Secretary of State in the United States.
Since 1960, Henry Kissinger was already considered one of the most recognized, respected and influential policy experts of the world.