Renowned American scholar and statesman, Dr. Henry Kissinger, known for shaping the post-World War II world, has died at the age of 100, as announced by his consulting firm, Kissinger Associates.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the firm revealed that Dr. Kissinger passed away at his Connecticut home. The family plans to hold a private funeral, with a memorial service scheduled for later in New York, his hometown after fleeing Nazi Germany with his Jewish family.
While the cause of death was not disclosed, Dr. Kissinger remained active even in his centenarian years, undertaking a journey to China in July to meet with President Xi Jinping. His pivotal role in establishing relations with China during the Cold War era remains a lasting legacy.
Notable for his unprecedented role serving as both secretary of state and national security advisor under President Gerald Ford after the Watergate scandal, Dr. Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his negotiations to end the Vietnam War.
Despite his diplomatic achievements, Kissinger’s legacy is marked by controversy, particularly his philosophy of realpolitik. Declassified documents reveal his involvement in undermining Chile’s elected president Salvador Allende and supporting the 1973 coup in Chile led by General Augusto Pinochet. His support for Indonesia during the annexation of East Timor in 1975 and his indifference to Pakistan’s mass atrocities during Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 further fueled controversy.
Henry Kissinger is survived by his wife Nancy of nearly 50 years, two children from a previous marriage, and five grandchildren.