Henry Kissinger died on Wednesday, 29 November 2023. He was 100.
Henry Kissinger dies: What’s the cause of death?
In a statement, his consulting firm, Kissinger Associates Inc., confirmed the former US secretary of state died of natural causes at his home in Connecticut.
While Kissinger’s funeral will be a private affair, “at a later date, there will be a memorial service in New York City.”
The polarising politician is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, two children by his first marriage, David and Elizabeth, and five grandchildren.
Henry Kissinger obituary
Henry Kissinger, a towering figure in American foreign policy and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away at the age of 100 on Wednesday, 29 November 2023.
His death marks the end of an era in international diplomacy, characterised by both commendable achievements and controversial decisions.
Born in Fürth, Germany, in 1923, Kissinger fled Nazi persecution with his family in 1938, settling in the United States. He later served in the US Army during World War II before embarking on an academic career, eventually becoming a professor at Harvard University.
His expertise in foreign affairs led to his appointment as National Security Advisor in 1969 under President Richard Nixon, and he subsequently served as Secretary of State from 1973 to 1977 under both Nixon and President Gerald Ford.
Kissinger played a pivotal role in shaping US foreign policy during a turbulent period. He was instrumental in the détente policy with the Soviet Union and the opening of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, moves that significantly altered the global geopolitical landscape.
In 1973, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in negotiating a ceasefire in the Vietnam War, a recognition that was and remains, deeply controversial.
His tenure, however, was marked by significant controversy. Kissinger’s role in the US bombing campaigns in Cambodia and Laos, and his involvement in the 1973 Chilean coup, have been subjects of intense criticism and debate. These actions have been condemned for their contribution to widespread civilian suffering and for undermining democratic processes in those regions.
Reactions to Kissinger’s death
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Kissinger’s legacy is a complex one, embodying the dualities of diplomatic ingenuity and the moral dilemmas of international politics. His strategic vision and negotiation skills were lauded for reducing tensions between major powers, yet his actions in Southeast Asia and Latin America left a legacy of controversy and debate over the ethics of foreign policy.
Here’s how social media reacted to his death: