Diplomacy (A Touchstone book) (Paperback)

by Henry Kissinger (Author) "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..." (more)
Key Phrases: isolationist people, fulfillment policy, general nuclear war, Great Britain, Soviet Union, United Nations (more...)

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 912 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (April 4, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671510991
• ISBN-13: 978-0671510992
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (89 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,768 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 77 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

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.

39 of 41 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)

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.

22 of 22 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)

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.