Customer Reviews

On China

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There are several negative reviews or reviews saying other books are better. What this book has going for it is that it is so personal. Kissinger sat down with Mao and took part in opening US/China relations and has been a part of that relationship since. He is a little professorial in laying an immense groundwork, but he uses it quite a bit later, so it is worth the investment. He talks about events and conversations in the first person because HE WAS THERE!

He does gloss over opinions of world leaders (on both sides) or buffs out smudges, but what else could he do? He realizes the political forces at work and recognizes leaders respond to their populace. He knows because he has been in the position to feel the effect.

It's not an easy read, though. You need to sit down and prepare and there are parts where he repeats points in a previous chapter as if he had forgotten he wrote them. Overall, though, it's difficult to imagine a more personal invitation into the last 50 years.

I can't think of anyone who is better qualified to summarize China's governmental history than Henry Kissinger. Concise and easily understood, this serves as an excellent primer for anyone interested in China's relations with the rest of the world and their current position on the world stage. Not only does he explain the convoluted details of China's political history, but sheds new light on the motivating factors behind China's involvement in the Korean and cold wars. He covers much of the diplomacy that went on behind the scenes during his tenure in government and his continued involvement in government relations as a private citizen. Intriguing, enlightening, and highly educational.

This is a great book for anyone who does not know much about China and would like to get quality information, understanding, history, and perspectives. There are many blanket statements about China and this book gives you a much better perspective. Henry Kissinger is probably the most knowledge individual about China and its diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere. He had very close and personal relationships with many of the colorful characters we read about in textbooks.

One of the most profound things I learned from this book comes at the very end. I won't spoil it for you, but basically I totally agree with the viewpoint that nuclear weapons are meaningless in this day and age. No RATIONAL leader will resort to using nuclear power for their personal agenda, which basically means that the value of nuclear weapons are now null and void. Notice the emphasis on the word rational. Diplomacy is the new secret weapon, which is the way it should be.

As an investor I am also able to get valuable indirect insight into how things are done in China. GREAT BOOK!!