Rating: 
Summary: Foreign Policy at its best
Review: From my point of view Dr. Kissinger is the best author to describe the complex interdependencies of Foreign Policy by combining the perspectives of the historian with the first-hand experience (and frustrations !) of a politician being in charge for the definiton and execution of Foreign Policy. May be this book is not as brilliant as Diplomacy published a few years ago it is still outstanding by putting events into context.
Rating:
Summary: Good Guide to Current Affairs.
Review: Henry Kissinger is one of the best commentators on current affairs in the world. He has been at the center of the world's foreign affairs for decades. This book provides his views and comments on the conflicts between countries for the past fifty years. When ever one reads any comments by anyone on what has happened or is happening in any country or between any countries I always turn to this book for guidance. Mr Kissinger always sets forth the history of that country, the past conflicts, the present conflicts, and puts them into perspective. Whether it be Cuba, Iran, Irag, or any other country, He always provides thoughtful guidance. He points out where he made decisions, when they were wrong, what might have been, and best of all provides suggestions for the future. He always points out what is the possible, rather than merely what one would like to happen. This is a book to keep and refer to on a regular basis.
Rating: 
Summary: A detailed answer to a simple question
Review: Henry Kissinger presents a detailed and thorough examination of the world "at this writing" (as he says many times through out the book) and very much so as the BusinessWeek review says he seems to "take the globe in his hands, turn it slowly, and explain everything he sees on each continent." Indeed, the world's situation - and the actions of foreign governments thereof - was made much more clear to me.
For example, on pg. 40 he explains why Germany's government often seems topsy-turvy in whether or not she is a close ally to the United States: Germany, now united, is trying to continue to grow into an international power, and while she may be "far less prepared to put at risk her links to the United States," Germany also wants to "seek for itself the role within Europe that France insists Europe should play in the Atlantic Alliance." I also think he makes a good point when he explains that the reason for much European disagreement with American foreign policy recently is that with the fall of the Cold War there is no longer a common enemy. We are seeing a re-emergence of nationalist-driven foreign diplomacy we saw in the 19th century.
The books goes on from more than the west. Kissinger moves on to Asia and explains Japanese, Korean, and Chinese relations with the United States (and why Japan and China should be considered necessary attendants of any Korean talks). He also talks about the Middle East and Africa, and I think he is right when he says that they are modern nations still politically stuck in the Middle Ages, with conflicts whose "emotional impetus derives from forces comparable to those of Europe during the 17th century." (pg. 164) If anything, Afghanistan is a perfect example of a nation with an internal structure still trapped in centuries gone past.
While I'll admit Chapter Six ("The Politics of Globalization") bored me, it is only because I am horrible at understanding any thing economic. However, the next chapter ("Peace and Justice") opens with a great study on the evolution of American foreign policy, from the development of European balance-of-power in Jefferson to the "Roosevelt corollary" and to the split between "Wilsonians" (interventionalists) and "Jacksonians" (isolationists) - I would highly recommend this part of the chapter. It then gives a good thesis on whether or not "noble" causes such as Rwanda, East Timor, or Somalia are worth time, money, and effort. As Kissinger says, there's nothing wrong with humanitarian efforts so long as Americans have "a readiness to pay the necessary price, in casualties or in financial sacrifice." (pg. 258) If any thing, Somalia is a perfect example of this, where troops were sent in to assist humanitarian efforts but at the death of 18 men were pulled out, stopping all efforts to ease the plight of the Somalians.
The main theme of this book seems to be equilibrium - America's ability to balance power in all regions while maintaining her foreign influence. As a result, I find many of Kissinger's ideals to be quite fair; for example, in the Israeli conflict, he suggests that Israel may have to make sacrifices but should not return to the security-threatening 1967 borders, while Palestine may be independant but needs to cease terrorist attacks and get rid of anti-Semite propoganda. (pg. 184) Yes, he does tend to criticize Clinton, but only Clinton's foreign policy, and nor is there any great critique against Democratic presidents. Kissinger praises Clinton for enacting NAFTA and other treaty organizations, but just didn't think he did enough. He also speaks well of Kennedy's and Carter's administrations, and even uses Carter's Camp David Accords as a better example of Middle East peace-talks when compared to the rushed and overambitious Berak-Clinton Peace Plan. I seriously doubt Clinton would even mind the criticism: while promoting his book Clinton said it was perfectly fine if some one disagreed with him, just so long as instead of brandishing him "a monster" they gave their reasons in a logical manner. Kissinger has done just that. I have to also comment if you are offended there seems to be an American bias in this book...you should look back at the title.
In summary, I enjoyed this read, and I wouldn't mind reading it again. Here we have a concise, detailed review of our world situation and it's historical context. (a very important effect to Kissinger) If you are interested in American foreign policy or where it is headed, I would highly suggest this book, even if it is just to get another opinion.
Rating:
Summary: A walk across the globe with henry
Review: Henry Kissinger, one of the men most responsible for the shape of foregn policy in this country over the last several decades shares his thoughts on the world climate and the U.S. response to it in the present and future. In a thouroughly readable way Kissinger breaks down, region by region, all of the aims and goals, successes and failures of our foreign policy and offers his views on where we should be headed now. The new chapter on the 9-11 attacks provides a needed and helpful postscript. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: feels somewhat outdated in light of recent events
Review: Henry Kissinger, the honored statesman, shows his stature and power of observation in this highly relevant book.....However, one very critical statement he did make was amazingly prophetic: an affirmation of American predominance is not in the best interest of America. The rest of the book is brilliant, with very good analyses of the regions of the world. My specialty is in Asia, and the section on Asia is quite insightful. The only other problem with this book is that everything is stated in very general terms. For anyone not familiar with international relations, this book can be hard to understand.
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Summary: Has many valid points, overly critical of Bill Clinton, etc.
Review: I am reading Dr. Kissinger's book (which I'm almost finished with). I found that he has some valid points, regarding some of the decisions made, in foreign policy, by American Presidents and their administrations. He does appear to be focused on the mistakes made, he says, by the Clinton administration; which, no doubt some are true and some are due to his political perspective. His comments, regarding Iraq, Iran, and others, seem to be fairly appropriate right now (especially with the current war). Like the other book of his, Diplomacy, he presents eloquent, intelligent arguments; some of which, like his criticisms of Bill Clinton, I don't happen to agree with, as I probably wouldn't with this newest right-wing diatribe, "Dereliction of Duty:..."; which is written by a former military man, someone who probably has an ax to grind (since Clinton never served in the armed forces). Anyway, it's overall, not bad, but I wouldn't give it five stars, for the forgoing reasons, and I would recommend reading Diplomacy, and another book, if one can find it, by former Secretary Of State, James Baker. I am wondering why Dr. Henry Kissinger hasn't been asked on any of the news broadcasts for his opinion. He has a very unique perspective. I know many don't like him, but I respect (even when I disagree with) him.
Rating: 
Summary: War Criminal
Review: if you want the evil truth about Dr K and how he undermined the 1968 peace talks, read "No Peace, No Honor: Nixon, Kissinger, and Betrayal in Vietnam" by Larry Berman.
This book explains how Nixon and Kissinger illegally colluded with SVN and Nguyen Van Thieu - he was told by Nixon via Anna Chenault to "hold on, we are going to win" and "you will get a better deal with us". So Thieu says he won't talk peace, Nixon wins, Kissinger openly changes sides after working with the Democrats, and together they crank up the war.
The point is: The War could have ended in 1968 if it were not for this man - Dr Death himself, Henry Adolf Kissinger!
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting ...
Review: Interesting reading. I don't suppose this book has much value for an American, but for outsider it helps explain many things, and also offers an insight into American foreign policy goals. The style is very accessible. The mid-east chapter is especially interesting for obvious reasons. Being an Indian, I found his analysis of relationship with India pretty positive and interesting. I could give it 3 1/2 stars if I could.
Rating:
Summary: An Important Question
Review: Kissinger employs the use of colloquial language here in a manner not seen since he wrote articles in the 1950s (The Conservative Dilemma: Political Thought of Metternich published in The American Political Science Review; The Congress of Vienna: A Reappraisal, published in World Politics Vol. 8 No. 2 January 1956, pp. 264-280) The first time reader need not research Kissinger nor is any reading of his prior work required or even partly necessary to understand any topic discussed in this work. A student so inclined may wish to supplement this with any decent world political survey such as Calvocoressi's World Politics.
Kissinger expertly weaves historical detail with insights relative to the globalized horizon. The author's strongest literary quality has always been the length at which he dissects and reconstructs his arguments. Kissinger is not willing to discuss an important political or philosophical topic in one hundred words when it can be dissected and explained without ambiguity and fuzziness in one thousand words. Most strikingly, Kissinger's lengthy discussions do not center on any personal claim or boast. The material discussed at length merely hints at a man whose expert knowledge undoubtedly qualifies him as the proper authority to answer the question posed as the title of this book.
The shame here is much of the book would have undoubtedly been rewritten by the author since the events of September 11, 2001. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to read an account of what the future was intended to be and what it could have been given the historical currents and their future products and dividends as mentioned extensively in this work.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting book on Foreign Policy!
Review: Kissinger lays down a great detailed account of US relations with all corners of the globe. Great insight. Lovers of international relations and politics, this book is a must. If you have been under a rock for the last 30 yrs, get this book and enjoy. I know Kissinger is considered a war criminal by the extreme Left, but just try this book. Use critical thinking. Kissinger isn't the law, but he offers some interesting suggestions.
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