American Foreign Policy

by Henry Kissinger

The initial two essays, "Domestic Structure and Foreign Policy" and "Central Issues of American Foreign Policy," appeared in the original edition of this volume and have been retained as backdrops for fifteen major addresses delivered by Mr. Kissinger over the past four years. The new selections include a statement to Congress that traces the main lines of d�tente policy; a review of the step-by-step process of negotiations in the Middle East; an analysis of efforts to achieve accords, with the Soviet Union on strategic arms limitation without imperiling American national security; a speech to the United Nations on the imperative of establishing a balanced global approach to economic development and resource conservation; several papers that candidly appraise prospects for new ties between the United States and the nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and one that sets forth measures to strengthen the bonds among the industrial democracies. In their scope and detail, these documents constitute a remarkable set of designs, blueprints, and working drawings by a master architect of foreign policy.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction, International Relations, American History

448 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1949

About the author

Henry Alfred Kissinger (born Heinz Alfred Kissinger) was a German-born American bureaucrat, diplomat, and 1973 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as Secretary of State in the Richard Nixon administration. Kissinger emerged unscathed from the Watergate scandal, and maintained his powerful position when Gerald Ford became President.

A proponent of Realpolitik, Kissinger played a dominant role in United States foreign policy between 1969 and 1977. During this period, he pioneered the policy of détente.

During his time in the Nixon and Ford administrations he cut a flamboyant figure, appearing at social occasions with many celebrities. His foreign policy record made him a nemesis to the anti-war left and the anti-communist right alike.

Reviews

[Joe Roche · Rating 4 out of 5]

The essays were obviously dated but the material itself was still incredibly relevant. If you pick it up real cheap I'd go for it, it was an enjoyable read.

[Anson Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will fill this review with some of my favorite quotes soon. Incredible how applicable many of the ideas are to today.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you really want to know his on the world than read this book and his book Diplomacy. Lengthy but insightful perspectives on the post-nuclear world, détente, and globalization. A brilliant man's view without a lot of the ego that is ever-present in his memoirs.

[Satish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best book on foreign policy