Post-Government Career of Henry Kissinger

After leaving his official duties in the U.S. government, Henry Kissinger embarked on a prolific post-government career that spanned several decades and encompassed various roles and endeavors. His work continued to influence international relations and policy through consultancy, publishing, public speaking, and more.

Kissinger Associates

In 1982, Henry Kissinger founded Kissinger Associates, a strategic consulting firm. The firm provided geopolitical advice to multinational corporations. It became known for its discretion and influential client list, which included some of the largest global businesses. Brent Scowcroft, a close associate and former National Security Advisor, served as vice chairman of the firm, highlighting the caliber of the team Kissinger assembled.

Public Speaking and Media Presence

Kissinger became a renowned public speaker, sharing insights on international relations, diplomacy, and global politics. He frequently appeared on global media platforms and at conferences, where he analyzed and commented on current events. His friendship with media personality Ted Koppel and various interviews with journalists like Oriana Fallaci demonstrated his continued influence and public engagement.

Academic and Publishing Work

Kissinger's intellectual pursuits remained prominent through his numerous books and articles. He explored themes such as balance-of-power politics in his study "A World Restored," which examined post-Napoleonic Europe. His writing often drew from his rich experience in diplomacy and provided a window into his strategic thinking.

In academia, he was involved with institutions like Harvard University, where he was a director of the Harvard Defense Studies Program and co-founded the Center for International Affairs with Robert R. Bowie. These roles allowed him to impart knowledge to future leaders and contribute to scholarly discussions.

International Influence

Kissinger maintained a strong influence in international politics, particularly in China, where he was highly regarded. His earlier efforts in opening diplomatic relations between the United States and China laid the groundwork for enduring admiration by the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party. His death prompted mourning and widespread sorrow on Chinese social media, reflecting his lasting legacy.

Consultancy and Think Tanks

Beyond his firm, Kissinger served as a consultant to various governmental and private organizations, including the Operations Research Office, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and the RAND Corporation. His expertise was sought after in many pivotal policy developments and strategic decisions.

Henry Kissinger

Henry Alfred Kissinger (May 27, 1923 – November 29, 2023) was an influential American diplomat and political scientist. He served as the United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under the administrations of President Richard Nixon and President Gerald Ford. Kissinger played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the late 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Kissinger was born in Fürth, Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1938 to escape Nazi persecution. He attended Harvard University, where he completed his PhD in political science and later became a faculty member.

Political Career

National Security Advisor

In 1969, Kissinger was appointed as the National Security Advisor by President Nixon. He was a key architect of the policy of détente with the Soviet Union and opened diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. His secretive and strategic approach to diplomacy was often referred to as Realpolitik.

Secretary of State

Kissinger was appointed as the United States Secretary of State in 1973, a role he served in until 1977. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the negotiations to end the Vietnam War, leading to the Paris Peace Accords. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, although it was a controversial award given the ongoing conflict.

Kissinger's Controversies

Despite his accolades, Kissinger's career is marred by significant controversies. He has been accused of supporting repressive regimes and sanctioning covert operations that led to human rights abuses. His involvement in Operation Condor and the coup against Chilean President Salvador Allende are particularly notable. These actions have been the subject of extensive critique, including in Christopher Hitchens' book, The Trial of Henry Kissinger.