Behind the Bastards Part Two: Kissinger
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Mar 17, 2022 Gareth Reynolds and Dave Anthony, comedians and co-hosts of The Dollop, delve into the complex legacy of Henry Kissinger with a mix of humor and serious analysis. They explore Kissinger's moral calculus during the Cold War and his controversial nuclear strategies. The discussion highlights the absurdities of geopolitical attitudes shaped by influential figures and critiques the media's role in normalizing extreme militaristic views. Through dark humor, they unpack Kissinger’s manipulative tactics and the tragic implications of U.S. foreign policy during the Vietnam War.
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Kissinger's Cat
- Robert Evans jokingly compares Kissinger's and his mistake of underestimating the growth of their respective "Saddams".
- Evans's cat, named Saddam Hussein, grew larger than expected, just like Kissinger misjudged Vietnam.
Kissinger's Mentors
- Kissinger's intellectual upbringing exposed him to political technologists like Thomas Schelling.
- Schelling's influence led Kissinger to believe that bargaining power stems from the capacity to inflict pain.
Moral Calculus
- Thomas Schelling, Kissinger's mentor, advised the Eisenhower administration on Cold War moral calculus.
- Schelling argued that deterring enemies or children required finding the right ratio of threat to incentive.