Henry Kissinger dies, the world pays tribute to a great diplomatic figure
Sylvie Claire / December 1, 2023
A key player in world diplomacy during the Cold War, Henry Kissinger "died today at his home in Connecticut", said the same source, without specifying the reason for his death. Born in Germany in 1923, this small man with a gravelly voice and a strong German accent remained a famous and influential voice for decades after leaving his responsibilities in international affairs. Initiating rapprochement with Moscow and Beijing in the 70s, this Nobel Peace Prize winner also saw his image tarnished by dark pages in US history, such as his support for the 1973 coup in Chile, the 1975 invasion of East Timor and, of course, the Vietnam War.
It was his sense of "realpolitik", the cold calculation of national interests defended by power, that made him a much-criticized figure around the world.
A diplomat as much listened to as he was controversial, the man with the gravelly voice liked to distill his thoughts to journalists and at international conferences. Fascinating audiences with his longevity and vast experience, he was admired by some as a great sage, detested by others who saw him as a war criminal.
The man who celebrated his 100th birthday in May still had the ear of the world's great and good, decades after leaving his responsibilities in international affairs.
In July, he visited Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who hailed him as a "legendary diplomat ».