Henry Kissinger and the Importance of Pragmatic Diplomacy
Henry Kissinger will be remembered for many things including his pragmatic approach to diplomacy. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in a conference at Ditchley Park, a stately mansion in Oxfordshire, England, which has gained recent recognition as the setting for the residence of the Foreign Secretary in Netflix’s ‘The Diplomat.’ During my stay, I was assigned to the ‘Henry Kissinger room’—a space that once hosted the eminent diplomat as he debated the intricacies of nuclear deterrence with former Secretary of State Dean Acheson in 1963.
Pausing to read a framed letter written by Kissinger on the room’s wall, I found myself reflecting on the profound and enduring legacy left by this late statesman. Numerous biographies have dissected Henry Kissinger’s life, offering a wide spectrum of perspectives. From glowing appraisals to harsh critiques carrying accusations of war crimes, these accounts will undoubtedly fill the pages of countless opinion pieces and eulogies in the days and weeks to come.
One such lesson that I’ve endeavored to incorporate into my advocacy was his counsel to engage with diverse stakeholders and personalities on all sides of an issue or debate – “to understand other countries as much as possible, not only at the political level, but also their culture and philosophy.” I have endeavored to build relations with both opposition and government parties, actively meeting with members of parties from various political spectrums and not solely those in power.
Entire budget line items for global health vaccination programs, for instance, were protected in Australia following the change of government in the 2013 Federal Election because of the time we took to nurture bipartisan support on both sides of the aisle.
Even until his passing, Kissinger maintained a relatively less hawkish stance on U.S.-China relations when compared to the latest bellicose rhetoric on the hill in Washington, believing that such antagonistic relations would be bad for both superpowers and the world.
Whether remembered as a controversial figure akin to a war criminal or the 20th Century’s equivalent of Bismarck, dedicated to preserving peace through balance-of-power diplomacy, Kissinger’s diplomatic toolbox offers enduring lessons.
The qualities associated with pragmatic diplomacy, such as engaging with opposition political figures and fostering outreach to our perceived enemies, have a heightened relevance in our contemporary world. Today, marked by the urgent need for global cooperation and solidarity, both at home and abroad, these principles are more crucial than ever to confront the formidable challenges of our time and usher in peace and prosperity for future generations.