Stuff Digital Edition

Statesman milestone

Only a very few individuals of our species are able to change the course of world history by sheer intellectual grunt. Past examples from the 19th century would have included Bismarck of Germany, Metternich of Austria and perhaps Garibaldi of Italy.

A later figure from the 20th century did as much to establish America as the world’s only and enduring superpower. I am thinking here specifically of Dr Henry Kissinger.

The zenith of his accomplishments was the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 for ending of conflict in Southeast Asia. The nadir was the time spent on his knees alongside President Richard Nixon in praying to God to avert the Watergate debacle.

I am a big fan of his, but whether he is seen as a nationbuilder or nation-destroyer, an intellectual giant or an archvillain (or perhaps all of these), it is worth noting that Kissinger turned 100 yesterday. Happy birthday, Henry.

Lorne Kuehn, Christchurch

OPINION

en-nz

2023-05-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282175065491926

Stuff Limited