Henry Kissinger is one of the most important strategic thinkers America has ever produced, according to Harvard historian Niall Ferguson. But while Kissinger’s position at the heart of twentieth century US foreign policymaking, and as advisor to every president from Kennedy to Obama is legendary, less well known are the life experiences that molded his character. The surprising trajectory of his early career and the idealism that underpinned his youthful worldview, Ferguson claims, challenge assumptions of Kissinger as the ruthless arch-realist. Has history misrepresented Kissinger? And as we reinterpret the story of this titan of US diplomacy, what lessons can today’s leaders learn from Kissinger the idealist?
Niall Ferguson’s new book, Kissinger: Volume I: The Idealist, 1923-1968 will be available for purchase and signing after the program.
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