From “Forgotten History”
Henry Kissinger served as one of the most influential and controversial figures in American foreign policy. Rising from academic theorist to national security leader, Kissinger shaped the Cold War, guided US strategy in Asia and the Middle East, and became known for quiet negotiations that shifted global alliances. His ideas about power, diplomacy, and national interest helped define an entire era of American strength.
Kissinger used secret channels, backdoor communications, and high stakes negotiations to manage conflicts around the world. His role in Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, and China revealed a belief in hard calculations over public sentiment. Supporters credit him with preventing large scale wars and stabilizing global politics during dangerous times. Critics argue that his decisions caused immense human suffering and placed strategic goals above civilians caught in the middle.
This episode explores the rise of Henry Kissinger, the strategy behind his most important decisions, and the legacy that still divides historians today. From detente with the Soviet Union to the opening of diplomatic ties with China, Kissinger left a blueprint for how American power operates across the globe. Forgotten History reveals how his actions reshaped modern geopolitics and why his influence continues to spark debate long after he left office.