Part One: Kissinger

In 'Kissinger's Shadow', Greg Grandin explores how Henry Kissinger's policies have shaped America's imperial stance and contributed to ongoing conflicts. The book delves into Kissinger's worldview, revealing a blend of realism and idealism that has influenced U.S. foreign policy from Vietnam to Iraq. Grandin argues that Kissinger's legacy continues to affect contemporary America, with its never-ending wars and political polarization.

This book provides a dispassionate account of Henry Kissinger's career, focusing on his intellectual brilliance, political maneuvering, and public persona. It explores Kissinger's impact on U.S. foreign policy during his years under Presidents Nixon and Ford, including his roles in détente with the Soviet Union and opening relations with China. The biography also examines Kissinger's domestic politics and media presence.

This biography by Walter Isaacson provides a detailed and balanced account of Henry Kissinger's life, from his childhood as a persecuted Jew in Nazi Germany to his rise as a prominent figure in American foreign policy. The book examines Kissinger's complex personality, his relationships with key figures like Richard Nixon, and his significant contributions to and controversies within American diplomacy. Isaacson draws on extensive interviews with Kissinger and over 150 other sources, including private papers and classified memos, to offer a nuanced view of Kissinger's realist approach to foreign policy and its moral implications.