Shrouded in Secrecy: Reflecting on Kissinger’s Legacy
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By: Mustafa Ahmad
Edited By: Alexandra Huggins
Disclaimer: This piece strictly reflects the author’s opinions individually and does not reflect the views or opinions of the SAIS Observer.
Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State and renowned diplomat and historian, passed away last month at the age of 100. Despite a long life in the public eye, Kissinger remains an enigmatic figure whose legacy evokes both admiration and consternation. As we unravel the tapestry of his impact on international relations, examining the geopolitical maneuvers that earned him accolades and the controversial decisions that cast shadows over his legacy is essential. Moreover, delving into his role as a scholar and historian offers a more nuanced understanding of the man who, beyond the political stage, sought to shape the intellectual discourse surrounding international affairs.
Kissinger’s realpolitik approach to diplomacy, grounded in the pragmatic pursuit of national interests, undeniably left an indelible mark on global affairs. His role in normalizing relations between the US and China, a feat achieved through secret diplomacy, was a watershed moment that recalibrated the geopolitical landscape. This move redefined US-Sino relations and contributed to the ultimate thawing of the Cold War. In fact, Kissinger is still commemorated in China today as “an old friend.” Additionally, his involvement in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) aimed to control the nuclear arms race through a policy of detente that prevented the two US and Soviet Union from approaching the brink of nuclear war until the latter’s collapse in 1991.
However, even Kissinger’s diplomatic successes are enjoined with problematic complements. Post-Yom Kippur War, his adept “shuttle diplomacy” prevented further Israel-Arab escalation, aligning Egypt with the U.S. during the Cold War. However, this diplomacy, prompted by the ambiguity of UN Resolution 242, left the prominent question of Palestinian rights subject to vague interpretation. Some of the consequences are still felt in the region today, including Israel and Egypt jointly enforcing a 16-year blockade in Gaza. Additionally, the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh came about partially from Kissinger’s deals with Pakistan as an intermediary in the opening of US-China relations. In exchange for Pakistan’s support, Kissinger and the White House tacitly agreed to turn their eyes away from the actions of then-President Yahya Khan and the military in East Pakistan.
Moreover, a critical examination of Kissinger’s legacy must confront his alliances with authoritarian regimes and abetment of human rights abuse. Kissinger’s roles in the civil war in Angola and the genocide in East Timor stand as testaments to the perils of realpolitik devoid of moral considerations. The strategic alliances forged in these conflicts, often supporting regimes accused of gross human rights violations, challenge the narrative of Kissinger as a principled advocate for stability and peace. Adding to this record is his particularly infamous association with Augusto Pinochet’s military junta in Chile. Kissinger’s support for regimes that trampled on democratic values raises questions about the ethical foundations of his diplomatic calculus.
Kissinger’s realpolitik also led to decisions with severe ethical implications. During the Vietnam War, the covert bombing of Cambodia and the escalation of the “secret war” in Laos, both orchestrated during his tenure as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, exemplified a willingness to sacrifice moral considerations for strategic gains. The intense bombings aimed at disrupting North Vietnamese supply routes inadvertently contributed to political upheaval, leaving a devastating impact on Cambodian and Laotian civilians. The human cost of these actions, marked by civilian casualties and political upheaval, challenges the narrative of Kissinger as a statesman guided solely by strategic necessity and reinforces the ethical gaps in his diplomatic philosophy.
The clandestine nature of Kissinger’s actions, often shielded from public scrutiny, undermines the principles of transparency and accountability essential to democratic governance. Decisions of profound consequence were made behind closed doors, leaving the public uninformed and unable to hold leaders accountable for the choices that shaped history until years later. This lack of transparency amplifies the ethical dilemmas surrounding Kissinger’s legacy, as the absence of public oversight raises uncomfortable questions about the extent to which pragmatism can justify actions that compromise democratic values.
Beyond the realm of politics, Kissinger’s legacy extends to the academic arena. As a scholar and historian, he sought to contribute to the intellectual discourse surrounding international relations through works such as A World Restored, On China, and Diplomacy. But, the ethical questions surrounding his actions as a statesman inevitably spill over into his role as a historian. Can one separate the scholar from the practitioner when assessing the intellectual contributions of a figure so deeply enmeshed in many of the events he cites or analyzes? While significant, Kissinger’s scholarly contributions are not immune to scrutiny, as the intersection of history and politics raises questions about objectivity and narrative shaping.
The shroud of secrecy surrounding Kissinger’s actions remains a point of contention, as the democratic principles of transparency and accountability clash with the realities of pragmatic diplomacy. As we navigate the complexity of Henry Kissinger’s legacy, it is evident that the realpolitik approach he championed yielded diplomatic breakthroughs and difficult ethical consequences. The normalization of relations with China and the strategic maneuvering during the Cold War showcased his prowess as a statesman. At the same time, the shadow of the Vietnam War and alliances with authoritarian regimes marred his reputation. Kissinger’s legacy demands a nuanced and critical examination that acknowledges the complexity of his contributions to diplomacy, the ethical dilemmas inherent in realpolitik, and the intricate relationship between his roles as a statesman and a scholar. Assessing his impact on international relations must encompass the interplay of geopolitical strategy, human rights considerations, and the intellectual legacy he sought to leave behind. By navigating this intricate web, we can only begin to grasp the proper contours of Henry Kissinger’s enduring influence on the world stage.
