Did Henry Kissinger leave a good legacy?

Elliot (No)

Henry Kissinger's complicated legacy is more negative than positive overall. His approach to foreign policy left thousands of dead or displaced. He also contributed to severe environmental destruction and continuously recommended hazardous foreign policy decisions almost until the moment of his death. Perhaps his most notable war crime was his close involvement in the carpet bombing of Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War. Codenamed 'Operation Menu,' this carpet bombing campaign was utterly illegal according to international law. Although North Vietnamese insurgents indeed operated in Cambodia, the Cambodian government did not approve of these actions and attempted to remain neutral. Kissinger directed the military to bomb them anyway, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths. Not only that, but some of the bombs contained Napalm and Agent Orange—chemicals that would wreak havoc on the wildlife and human population for decades. 

Kissinger's other actions include supplying weapons to questionable regimes around the world, seemingly unconcerned about how these arms might be used in the future. He also played a direct role in overthrowing the legitimate Allende government in Chile, installing a puppet military dictatorship instead that executed thousands of political dissidents. 

These questionable decisions continued up until his death—long after he exited the US government as a democratically-elected official. He gave his approval to the disastrous invasion and occupation of Iraq meant to “in America’s interest.” More recently, he supported Ukraine's admission into NATO, a move Russia highlights as a 'red line' for its security interests. In other words, he was making recommendations that put the world on the brink of nuclear disaster almost until his last days—hardly a positive legacy. 

Dae (Yes)

Henry Kissinger, a key figure in American diplomacy, left a lasting legacy shaped by his contributions to international relations. One of his pivotal achievements was normalizing relations between the United States and China. Through strategic and diplomatic efforts, Kissinger played a crucial role in easing Cold War tensions, fostering a new era of cooperation between the two major world powers.

His involvement in the negotiations leading to the Paris Peace Accords marked another significant chapter in his legacy. Kissinger's diplomatic finesse contributed to the end of the Vietnam War, demonstrating his commitment to seeking peaceful resolutions in times of global turmoil. His realpolitik approach, emphasizing practical considerations and a balance of power, guided his decision-making on the world stage, providing stability during a period of significant geopolitical shifts.

One of the crowning achievements of Kissinger's career was the pursuit of detente with the Soviet Union. This policy aimed to reduce Cold War tensions and led to strategic arms limitation agreements, fostering improved communication between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Kissinger's impact on global peace was underscored by his joint receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. The recognition highlighted his efforts to promote stability and cooperation in international relations. Notably, the absence of a major world war during and after his tenure suggests that Kissinger's work and precedent played a substantial role in maintaining global peace.

In essence, Henry Kissinger's legacy is marked by his diplomatic prowess, commitment to peace, and strategic thinking, which collectively contributed to a more stable and cooperative world order. His influence continues to be felt, shaping the trajectory of international relations even after his time in office.