Henry Kissinger

Henry Kissinger, born in 1923, was an American diplomat, politician and political scientist who served as the United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Known for his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the late 20th century, Kissinger played a key part in the détente policy with the Soviet Union, the opening of relations with the People's Republic of China, and the negotiation of the Paris Peace Accords, ending American involvement in the Vietnam War. His contributions to international relations and efforts in negotiating earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973. Kissinger is also associated with controversial U.S. policies, including its bombing of Cambodia, involvement in the 1973 Chilean coup d'état, support for Indonesia's invasion of East Timor, and support for Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War and Bangladesh genocide.