Chapter
Kissinger and Realpolitik
1:15:38 - 1:22:12 (06:34)
Kissinger's approach to Realpolitik involves identifying allies and building webs of connections to manipulate power centers to serve the interests of your own country, while building surrogates in other parts of the world. His career was defined by his experience in the 1950s building a network of people across the world who were rising leaders from unique positions.
Clips
Henry Kissinger's ability to build a network and take control of US policy without direct authority made him a rising leader in the 1950s, leading to his reputation and ultimately building a relationship with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai that was previously unthinkable.
1:15:38 - 1:17:33 (01:54)
Summary
Henry Kissinger's ability to build a network and take control of US policy without direct authority made him a rising leader in the 1950s, leading to his reputation and ultimately building a relationship with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai that was previously unthinkable. He has been involved in key moments in American and world history, including the Cold War and Vietnam War.
ChapterKissinger and Realpolitik
Episode#180 – Jeremi Suri: History of American Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Realpolitik, a strategy of power politics that emphasizes pragmatic and practical policies, is the key to Henry Kissinger's way of thinking about diplomacy.
1:17:33 - 1:22:12 (04:38)
Summary
Realpolitik, a strategy of power politics that emphasizes pragmatic and practical policies, is the key to Henry Kissinger's way of thinking about diplomacy. The two strategic elements of this approach include building alliances and manipulating power centers to serve your own country's interests.