Why does Kissinger still matter?

Key Concepts

• Henry Kissinger's enduring influence on US-China relations: His role as an advisor and collaborator even after leaving government.
• Childhood impact on diplomatic style: How his experiences in Nazi Germany shaped his persistence, focus on overcoming obstacles, and pursuit of opportunities.
• Evolution of Kissinger's diplomatic thinking: His initial lack of interest in economic issues and subsequent mastery, particularly in the context of US-China economic ties.
• The strategic role of economic issues: Kissinger's realization that economic factors are intertwined with geopolitical strategies.
• Kissinger's approach to negotiation: Emphasis on understanding the culture and positions of counterpart nations, meticulous preparation, and strategic use of concessions.
• The importance of deterrence and military capability: Kissinger's belief that a strong military is essential for credible diplomacy.
• Internal US unity as a diplomatic strength: His concern that internal divisions weaken the US's external standing and invite exploitation by adversaries.
• China's development model: The shift from basic manufacturing to technological leadership, driven by Deng Xiaoping's reforms, opening up to international learning, and fostering collaboration.
• Medical cooperation between China and the US: A long-standing and highly successful area of collaboration.
• Kissinger's legacy: His role in reducing China's isolation, fostering trade and investment, and his strategic approach to diplomacy.

Robert Hormats's Recollections of Henry Kissinger

This summary details Robert Hormats's insights into Henry Kissinger's diplomatic career, personal style, and enduring influence, particularly concerning US-China relations. Hormats, who worked closely with Kissinger from a young age and remained a collaborator until Kissinger's death, offers a personal perspective on Kissinger's strategic thinking and its evolution.

Childhood and Diplomatic Style

Hormats posits that Kissinger's childhood in Germany, fleeing Nazi persecution as a Jewish teenager, was a "critical element" in shaping his diplomatic style. This challenging upbringing instilled in him a profound sense of "persistence and a determination" to overcome obstacles and adversity. Kissinger himself reflected on this, stating that in Germany, he would have either been dead or teaching high school, neither of which he considered desirable options. This experience fueled a constant drive for self-improvement and opportunity, leading him to Harvard and a significant academic career, but also a strong desire to engage with national politics. Hormats notes that Kissinger never saw his academic achievements as sufficient, always setting goals beyond his current position, demonstrating a continuous pursuit of learning and advancement.

Evolution of Diplomatic Focus: From Geopolitics to Economics

Hormats recounts how Kissinger's diplomatic focus evolved significantly over time. Initially, Kissinger had "very little interest in economic issues." However, this changed dramatically, particularly in the context of US-China relations. Hormats was tasked with preparing documents on the economic aspects of US policy towards China, a relationship that at the time had "no economic ties whatsoever." Kissinger's strategic mind recognized the growing importance of economic engagement. He initiated confidence-building measures, and through interactions, including learning about China's bureaucratic approach to economic dealings, Kissinger became acutely aware that "economic issues had a strategic role in the world and were strategically related to some of the other things he was trying to do." This realization, coupled with events like the oil crisis and the dollar issue at Camp David, solidified his understanding of the interconnectedness of economic and geopolitical strategies. Hormats emphasizes Kissinger's "open mind" and "fertile mind" in his ability to link these disparate areas.

The Secret Trip to China and its Historical Significance

Hormats shares his personal experience of the surprise surrounding Kissinger's clandestine trip to China. Despite being involved in preparing for presidential trips, Hormats, like most of Kissinger's staff, was unaware of the secret mission. He recounts how Kissinger, before the trip, asked his staff if anyone knew anything about China. Hormats, having had conversations with Chinese individuals while in Tanzania during the construction of the Tanzanian railway (a project financed by China and described as an early "Belt and Road type project"), raised his hand. He had befriended the chief engineer of the railway, a Chinese national who had studied in the US. This personal connection and his subsequent papers on the Chinese economy led Kissinger to involve him. The news of Kissinger's surreptitious visit, using Pakistan as a pretext and feigning illness, was a "big surprise" to everyone. Hormats recognizes this event as "history in the making" that fundamentally altered the course of US-China relations.

Understanding Culture in Diplomacy

A key tenet of Kissinger's diplomatic approach, as highlighted by Hormats, was the imperative to "understand the culture of the country you were dealing with." Kissinger consistently stressed the need to comprehend the historical context, cultural nuances, and underlying positions of the nations he engaged with. He would read extensively about the history and culture of countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria before trips to the Middle East, often injecting "little vignettes about the culture" to demonstrate his understanding. This deep dive into cultural context was crucial for effective negotiation and building rapport.

China's Development Model and Deng Xiaoping's Vision

Hormats discusses the transformative development model of China, particularly under Deng Xiaoping. He notes that for years, China produced basic goods with limited market appeal. Deng Xiaoping, however, had a vision for China to reclaim its historical position as a technological leader, citing inventions like gunpowder and paper. Deng's reforms, including his visit to southern China, signaled a desire to re-establish China's technological prowess. Hormats observed the rapid physical transformation of China, with modern buildings appearing quickly. He also highlights the reopening of universities during the Cultural Revolution, which allowed Chinese students to study technology and engineering. The opening up to international education, with many Chinese studying at prestigious US institutions like Caltech and MIT, and the subsequent return of these individuals, significantly boosted China's technological capabilities. The long-standing tradition of medical cooperation, dating back over a century to the Rockefeller hospital, is also cited as a prime example of successful Sino-US collaboration, with many contemporary medical research papers being co-authored by Chinese and American researchers.

Kissinger's Diplomatic Strategies and Legacy

Hormats identifies several key diplomatic strategies that define Kissinger's legacy. Firstly, he believed that any "demonstration of weakness" would embolden adversaries. While acknowledging that compromise is not a "dirty word," Kissinger was meticulous in how he made concessions, ensuring they were not premature or ill-considered, to avoid signaling vulnerability. Secondly, he understood that "effective diplomacy" requires a "strong military capability" and a robust "military deterrent capacity." This deterrence was crucial for being a credible negotiator, as a country perceived as militarily unprepared would be exploited. He emphasized the link between deterrence and the ability to convince adversaries of both military strength and the "will to use" that strength.

Furthermore, Kissinger was deeply concerned about internal divisions within the United States. He believed that internal disunity, whether against the Soviet Union or any other adversary, signaled weakness and invited exploitation. Conversely, a unified internal front, with leaders pulling together around common interests, projected strength and resolve externally.

Conclusion

Robert Hormats's account paints a vivid picture of Henry Kissinger as a deeply strategic, intellectually agile, and culturally sensitive diplomat. His childhood experiences forged a resilient and ambitious individual who continuously sought to learn and grow. Kissinger's diplomatic approach evolved to encompass economic issues as integral to geopolitical strategy, and he meticulously studied the cultural contexts of nations he engaged with. His legacy is marked by his pivotal role in opening up China, fostering economic ties, and his enduring principles of deterrence, careful negotiation, and the importance of internal national unity for effective foreign policy. The ongoing medical collaboration between China and the US stands as a testament to the positive outcomes of the engagement Kissinger championed.