Diplomacy [Hardcover]

Henry Kissinger (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 067165991X | ISBN-13: 978-0671659912 | Publication Date: April 18, 1994 | Edition: 1ST

Kissinger describes the ways in which the art of diplomacy and the balance of power created the world we live in.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kissinger maintains that the United States cannot dominate the emerging new world order but should rely instead on a balance of power built on security pacts and economic alliances. In this magisterial political history, the former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State draws lessons from the statecraft of Richelieu, Napoleon, Bismarck and Metternich, then shrewdly reappraises the foreign policy blunders and the failures of moral nerve and vision that led in our century to the mass carnage of two world wars, genocide, Cold War and a nuclear arms race. He limns striking portraits of Hitler craving war to fulfill his global ambitions, of Stalin, a "supreme realist" in international affairs, and of Franklin D. Roosevelt courageously steering an isolationist people into war. Kissinger defines Nixon's achievement as a refusal to abdicate America's global role, and he gives Reagan a large measure of credit for the collapse of the Soviet empire. While urging support for Russian liberalism, he stresses that the U.S. should simultaneously bolster obstacles to Russian expansionism, which neither Bush nor Clinton has done. Photos. BOMC and History Book Club main selections.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

After nearly a dozen books and service as secretary of state for presidents Nixon and Ford, Kissinger has established himself as a major thinker, writer, and actor on the world's diplomatic stage. His newest work is a remarkable survey of the craft of international relations from the early 17th century to the present era. Beginning with the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, Kissinger summarizes three centuries of Western diplomacy, giving special attenton to the influence of Wilsonian idealism on 20th-century American foreign policy. He is not shy about describing his own contributions to Nixon's foreign gambits, nor is he reticient about offering his own advice to the current administration on how to handle Russia, China, or the rest of the world. From Kissinger we learn that there is really little new about the New World Order. This is an important contribution to the theoretical literature on foreign affairs and will also serve quite ably as a one-volume synthesis of modern diplomatic history. All libraries should have this impressive book. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 12/93.
- Ed Goedeken, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 912 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1ST edition (April 18, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067165991X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671659912
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (98 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,709 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The complexities of international relations made simple, January 25, 2000

By 

Matthew D. Carr (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Diplomacy (A Touchstone book) (Paperback)

Dr. Kissinger has written a marvelous book that takes a reader on an enlightening path through history. Beginning with the Peace of Westphalia (the advent of international relations), the author uses his keen sense of perception to analyze the actions of world leaders and explain how those actions shaped the further development of the international system. He masterfully shows how the experiences of previous generations influenced the diplomacy of the current generation.

The most interesting part of the book is when Dr. Kissinger details the international system since the United States entered into global politics. He argues that the unique American political development correlated into a diplomatic style unlike the world had ever seen. American diplomacy was based upon democratic ideals that rejected states acting for individual gain. Instead Americans believed that the expansion of democratic ideals to all people would result in a natural state of harmony among nations. With this basis, Kissinger outlines 20th century history showing how American idealism helped and hindered in different situations.

Dr. Kissinger draws extensively on his personal experience in the field, providing a more complete picture for the reader. The author's style is easy to read and captivating without excessive detail and theory. A must read for any serious student of international politics and history, and an enlightening read for others with an interest in global relations.

105 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speaking as someone who loathes Kissinger..., December 29, 2002

By 

GLBT (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Diplomacy (A Touchstone book) (Paperback)

As much as I despise the policies and actions of Henry Kissinger, I must confess that I found this book to be a very well thought out look at the major historical events of the past century. Kissinger's central premise seems to be that the United States has swung back and forth between Wilsonian Idealism and a more pragmatic/Realpolitik perspective in which a nation is primarily responsible for looking out for its own best interests. While I deplore the lack of conscience or justice that Kissinger stands for, I found the book very helpful in understanding his position and in looking at world events through that particular lense. Certainly, he makes many valid and interesting points in addressing the relative pro's and con's of each approach. Also, the book is very readable - ideas are expressed clearly and it kept my interest throughout.

If you're interested in understanding the Realpolitik logic that has led to so many atrocities around the world, and how one might intellectually justify these actions, this book is an invaluable resource. Ultimately, whether you agree with Kissinger or not, I think it's important to understand him. The man is not simply "evil" or "insane" and the ideas that he represents are central to current U.S. policies around the world.

Important stuff, well articulated.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Diplomacy behind the History, October 16, 2002

By 

Matthew Gauntt "kumatt" (Geneva, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Diplomacy (A Touchstone book) (Paperback)

Dr. Kissinger takes us on a wonderful ride through modern (last 300 years) history and tells of the workings of diplomats and heads of states behind the scenes. Yes, we know that a war happened, but what were the diplomats saying to each other before the first shots were fired? Why did this country form an alliance with that country? Did they agree with each other (United States and England) or did they need each other to put down an enemy that was worse (England and Russia vs. Germany in WWII)?

This book goes beyond the typical history book and explains the strategy of diplomats when confronted with another power. It also explores the differences between a collective security (United Nations) and Balance of Power arrangements.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thought provoking and insightful. I highly recommend it.