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Diplomacy (A Touchstone book) [Paperback]

Henry Kissinger (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews) |
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Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0671510991 | ISBN-13: 978-0671510992 | Edition: Highlighting
THE SEMINAL WORK ON FOREIGN POLICY AND THE ART OF DIPLOMACY

Moving from a sweeping overview of history to blow-by-blow accounts of his negotiations with world leaders, Henry Kissinger describes how the art of diplomacy has created the world in which we live, and how America's approach to foreign affairs has always differed vastly from that of other nations.

Brilliant, controversial, and profoundly incisive, Diplomacy stands as the culmination of a lifetime of diplomatic service and scholarship. It is vital reading for anyone concerned with the forces that have shaped our world today and will impact upon it tomorrow.

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Kissinger discusses the art of diplomacy and the American approach to foreign affairs.
Copyright 1995 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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

  • Paperback: 912 pages
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Highlighting edition (April 4, 1995)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0671510991
  • ISBN-13: 978-0671510992
  • Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.6 x 9.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,360 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Henry Kissinger
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
54 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.

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108 of 123 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.

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32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent but selective history
Kissinger brings us through the history of the art of statecraft, indeed, an art to which he offers more than 800 detail-laden pages. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Aquinas
Understanding Europe!
Kissinger presents you the most important moves, strategies, tactics and plans of this huge chess game called "diplomacy". Read more
Published 1 month ago by Al-Mahed
A Great Book
Diplomacy remains probably the best work on International Relations for people who are new to the subject, but interested in it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Argus
A Great Survey of Western Diplomatic History
I picked this book up because of who the author is and I am happy that I did. This relatively breezy narrative takes the reader from the formations of Western-style diplomacy after... Read more
Published 3 months ago by C.P.M.
Masterpiece with somy typos in the Kindle edition
I am just at 7% of the Kindle edition. I have a Hungarian hardcover translation but it was too big and heavy to carry around for reading. This is where Kindle's edge comes in. Read more
Published 4 months ago by tegetthoff
An Essential Read
I have read this book a few times and every time I read it, I learn something new. I would reccomend this book to all students of political science and international relations.
Published 6 months ago by Mo 1986
Realpolitik and history
This book is written on a subject about which the author is an expert. In this book, you get a historical review of America's foreign policy and why it evolved over time. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Dr. Cardinal
A College Degree in a Book
I first read this when it came out and have just reread it again. I had forgotten just how good this book is. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Peter T. Wolf
ambitious and sweeping review
Kissinger's ambitious goal is to provide a review of diplomatic thought, theory, practice and result, as conducted primarily in Europe (or by European/Western powers) from the time... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Konrad Baumeister
Stereotypical, Self-aggrandizing Historical View
A good book for a common review of history, but be not enchanted nor mesmerized by its size and language for although thorough, lengthy and interestingly written, it is shallow in... Read more
Published 13 months ago by East West
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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First Sentence:
Almost as if according to some natural law, in every century there seems to emerge a country with the power, the will, and the intellectual and moral impetus to shape the entire international system in accordance with its own values. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
isolationist people, fulfillment policy, general nuclear war, mobilization schedules, isolationist impulse, diplomatic flexibility, containment theory, triangular diplomacy, atomic monopoly, disarmament provisions
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Great Britain, Soviet Union, United Nations, Central Europe, South Vietnam, Nixon Administration, League of Nations, Atlantic Alliance, North Vietnamese, Federal Republic, Western Europe, Communist Party, Western Hemisphere, East German, Holy Alliance, Crimean War, Southeast Asia, Foreign Secretary, Korean War, Monroe Doctrine, Congress of Vienna, Concert of Europe, Four Policemen, White House, Kennedy Administration
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