Renowned diplomat and statesman Henry Kissinger, a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Nixon and Ford administrations, has passed away at the age of 100. His demise occurred at his residence in Connecticut on Wednesday, as announced by his consulting firm.
Having served as both national security advisor and U.S. secretary of state from 1969 to 1977, Kissinger played a pivotal role in significant diplomatic events, including the groundbreaking opening to China in 1972, the resolution of the Yom Kippur War in the Middle East, and the U.S. disengagement from the Vietnam War.
Born Heinz Alfred Kissinger in 1923 in Furth, Germany, he and his family fled the Nazi regime, seeking refuge in the U.S. in 1938. After obtaining American citizenship in 1943, he served in the 84th Army Division, earning the Bronze Star. Following his military service, Kissinger continued his academic pursuits, ultimately earning a doctorate at Harvard University, where he taught international relations for nearly two decades.
Joining the Nixon administration in 1969 as national security adviser, Kissinger assumed the role of secretary of state in 1973, retaining both titles under President Ford after Nixon’s resignation in 1974. Notably, he controversially received the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize for his involvement in negotiating a ceasefire in Vietnam, sharing the accolade with his North Vietnamese counterpart Le Duc Tho, who declined acceptance due to the ongoing uncertainty of peace.
Henry Kissinger leaves behind a legacy survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, his children Elizabeth and David, who serves as the president of Conan O’Brien’s production company Conaco, and five grandchildren.
