In a solemn announcement, Kissinger Associates, the political consulting firm founded by former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, confirmed the passing of the renowned diplomat at the age of 100.
Kissinger, a German-born American, had an illustrious career, serving as a pivotal figure in US foreign and security policy during the Nixon and Ford administrations.
Born in 1923, Kissinger’s journey to the United States began in 1938 when his family fled Nazi Germany. He became a US citizen in 1943 and later served in the US Army and Counter Intelligence Corps.
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His academic pursuits led him to Harvard, where he earned bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees before becoming a professor of international relations.
In 1969, President Richard Nixon appointed Kissinger as the National Security Adviser, a role that bestowed upon him significant influence over US foreign policy.
Subsequently, he served as Secretary of State under both Nixon and President Gerald Ford.
Notably, Kissinger played a crucial role in diplomatic initiatives with China, the resolution of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and the Paris Peace Accords that concluded the Vietnam War.
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Despite his accomplishments, Kissinger faced criticism for prioritizing Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union over human rights concerns.
Accusations of supporting repressive regimes, including Augusto Pinochet’s regime in Chile, fueled controversy around his legacy.
In 1973, Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside North Vietnam’s Le Duc Tho, a decision that triggered resignations from two members of the Nobel committee.
The cause of Kissinger’s death was not disclosed in the statement released by Kissinger Associates, leaving the public to reflect on the complex legacy of a man who shaped pivotal moments in 20th-century global affairs.
