How Henry Kissinger’s Catastrophes and Triumphs Changed the World

Plain English with Derek Thompson

Today’s episode is about the controversial life and legacy of Henry Kissinger, who died last week at the age of 100. First as Nixon’s National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, and then as an author and diplomacy whisperer in almost every subsequent administration, Kissinger's life is overstuffed with achievements and disasters and breakthroughs and catastrophes—many of which continue to shape the world we live in. Today’s guest is George Packer, an Atlantic staff writer and the author of several books, including ‘Our Man,’ a biography of Richard Holbrooke: another towering American diplomat who was Kissinger’s rival and partner in diplomacy.

If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at [e-mail].

Host: Derek Thompson

Guest: George Packer

Producer: Devon Manze

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