Dive into the intricate and controversial life of Henry Kissinger with *The Inevitability of Tragedy*. This compelling book, written by Barry Gewen, takes you beyond the public image of Kissinger, showcasing his profound impact on U.S. foreign policy during the Nixon and Ford administrations. Explore the enigmatic mind of a man who has ignited fierce debates about ethics versus power in international relations. *The Inevitability of Tragedy* delves deep into Kissinger's realpolitik approach, revealing how his experiences as a refugee influenced his belief in the unyielding nature of global politics. Covering pivotal events such as the Vietnam War and Chile’s political upheaval, Gewen dissects Kissinger's strategic maneuverings and their tragic consequences. This well-researched biography not only contextualizes Kissinger’s policies but also connects his thoughts to the seminal ideas of his mentors, like Hans Morgenthau, Leo Strauss, and Hannah Arendt. Gain a fresh and critical understanding of one of history's most polarizing figures through this rigorous analysis. With 496 pages of insight, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in political theory, international relations, and the ethics of power. Free shipping is available for this item, and delivery may take up to 6 weeks. Please note that once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780393867565
Year: 2021
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 496


Description:


Few public officials have provoked such intense controversy as Henry Kissinger. During his time in the Nixon and Ford administrations, he came to be admired and hated in equal measure. Notoriously, he believed that foreign affairs ought to be based primarily on the power relationships of a situation, not simply on ethics. He went so far as to argue that under certain circumstances America had to protect its national interests even if that meant repressing other countries' attempts at democracy. For this reason, many today on both the right and left dismiss him as a latter-day Machiavelli, ignoring the breadth and complexity of his thought.


With The Inevitability of Tragedy, Barry Gewen corrects this shallow view, presenting the fascinating story of Kissinger's development as both a strategist and an intellectual and examining his unique role in government through his ideas. It analyzes his contentious policies in Vietnam and Chile, guided by a fresh understanding of his definition of Realism, the belief that world politics is based on an inevitable, tragic competition for power. Crucially, Gewen places Kissinger's pessimistic thought in a European context. He considers how Kissinger was deeply impacted by his experience as a refugee from Nazi Germany, and explores the links between his notions of power and those of his mentor, Hans Morgenthau?the father of Realism?as well as those of two other German-Jewish ??migr??s who shared his concerns about the weaknesses of democracy: Leo Strauss and Hannah Arendt. The Inevitability of Tragedy offers a thoughtful perspective on the origins of Kissinger's sober worldview an