Kissinger's Secret Diplomacy With the Russians

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Kissinger's time in office was marked out by this kind of secret diplomacy, where the State Department didn't have a clue what he was doing as national security adviser. And it's a similar thing, it's a sort of dust behind the scenes, diffusing things, getting detente going, kiss and jot Mark II. The Chinese don't enter this as moral judges. They enter it as an expression of their national interests.

Henry Kissinger was one of the most influential and controversial diplomats of the 20th century. He was National Security Advisor and Secretary of State to two American presidents. Now, with China’s growing influence and the prospect of powerful technology that could change the nature of war, his ideas on great power conflict are more relevant than ever. On the eve of his 100th birthday, The Economist spent over eight hours in conversation with Mr Kissinger. In this podcast special, we focus on three elements of the wide-ranging discussion: the role of China, AI and weak American leadership.

Zanny Minton Beddoes hosts with Edward Carr. The full transcript of the conversation with Mr Kissinger is available online.

For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer. We're always trying to improve our podcasts and we'd like your help. Tell us what you think by filling out our listener survey. To take part visit economist.com/intelligencesurvey.