00:00 After a lifespan that lasted a century, Henry Kissinger, the influential diplomat and former
00:08 U.S. Secretary of State, has passed away at his home in Connecticut.
00:13 Known for his gravelly voice and enigmatic persona, Kissinger's legacy is filled with
00:18 controversies and historical impact.
00:24 Kissinger, who escaped the clutches of Nazi Germany as a Jewish teenager, evolved from
00:29 an academic to a celebrity.
00:31 A self-confessed secret swinger who dated pinups, his influence as an advisor to Presidents
00:38 Nixon and Ford left an indelible mark on the course of history.
00:46 The debate surrounding Kissinger's legacy continues.
00:49 His diplomatic successes, such as the opening of China to the U.S. and landmark U.S.-Soviet
00:55 arms deals, are recognized.
00:58 However, his role in the Vietnam War and support for anti-communist dictatorships, particularly
01:04 in Latin America, remain divisive.
01:07 At the age of 98, Kissinger co-authored a book on artificial intelligence in 2021, showcasing
01:13 a modern side to the seasoned diplomat.
01:16 His longevity and continued activity were highlighted by his son David Kissinger ahead
01:20 of his centenary birthday bash attended by current U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
01:26 Born in 1923 in Germany, Kissinger's life story embodies the classic U.S. immigration
01:35 success.
01:36 Fleeing anti-Semitism, his family settled in New York in 1938.
01:41 Kissinger served in the U.S. Army, facing combat in the Battle of the Bulge.
01:45 His native German-speaking skills earned him counterintelligence roles and he received
01:50 the Bronze Star for tracking down former Gestapo officers.
01:54 Returning to the U.S. in 1947, Kissinger embarked on a celebrated academic career at Harvard,
02:01 leading to advisory roles under U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
02:07 His decision in the Cold War era shaped Washington's foreign policy, with President-elect Richard
02:12 Nixon appointing him as the national security advisor in 1968.
02:18 Kissinger's back-channel talks facilitated a diplomatic opening with China and key agreements
02:23 with the Soviet Union.
02:24 However, his biggest challenge was the Vietnam War.
02:28 Seeking peace with honor, Kissinger's plan prolonged the conflict involving secret bombing
02:33 raids in Laos and Cambodia.
02:37 The revelation of his secret talks with North Vietnamese negotiators in Paris won him celebrity
02:42 status with journalists questioning his dating antics with models and actresses.
02:47 He even came up with the infamous quote, "Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac."
02:53 Despite the controversial aspects of his legacy, Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
02:58 in 1973 for his role in a ceasefire deal.
03:02 His shuttle diplomacy in the same year helped deter a proxy face-off between Washington
03:07 and Moscow during the Yom Kippur War.
03:10 Leaving office at the end of Gerald Ford's term, Kissinger continued to influence global
03:14 relations through his writings and television appearances.
03:18 His firm, Kissinger Associates Inc., provided counsel on business strategy, maintaining
03:23 an air of secrecy.
03:25 However, his ruthless pragmatism faced scrutiny, notably by British-American journalist Christopher
03:30 Hitchens in a 2001 book titled The Trial of Henry Kissinger, accusing him of war crimes.
03:37 Activists campaigned for warrants and staged mock arrests reflecting the complex legacy
03:43 of a man who shaped the course of history.
03:52 [MUSIC PLAYING]
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