The Trial of Henry Kissinger is a book written by the renowned journalist and author, Christopher Hitchens. The book was published in 2012 and is a comprehensive account of the life and times of Henry Kissinger, one of the most influential American politicians of the 20th century. The book is an attempt to examine the actions of Kissinger, particularly his role in the Vietnam War and his involvement in the bombing of Cambodia.
In the introduction, Hitchens provides a brief overview of Kissinger’s life and his rise to power. He also discusses the motivation behind writing the book, which was to expose the dark side of Kissinger’s personality and his actions that went against the principles of human rights and international law. Hitchens argues that Kissinger was a war criminal who should have been held accountable for his actions.
Chapter 1: The Making of a War Criminal
In the first chapter, Hitchens delves into Kissinger’s early life and his rise to power. He highlights how Kissinger’s upbringing in Germany during the Nazi era shaped his worldview and how he used his position of power to further his own interests. Hitchens also discusses Kissinger’s role in the Vietnam War, including his involvement in the bombing of Cambodia, which was kept secret from the American public.
Chapter 2: The Trial of Kissinger
In the second chapter, Hitchens focuses on the trial of Kissinger in the International Criminal Court. He discusses the evidence presented against Kissinger, including his role in the bombing of Cambodia and his involvement in the assassination of Chilean president Salvador Allende. Hitchens also highlights the efforts of human rights activists to hold Kissinger accountable for his actions.
Chapter 3: The Realpolitik of Henry Kissinger
In the third chapter, Hitchens examines Kissinger’s foreign policy approach, which was based on realpolitik. He argues that Kissinger’s approach was based on the idea that might makes right and that the United States should use its power to further its interests, even if it meant violating international law. Hitchens also discusses Kissinger’s relationship with other world leaders, including Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong.
Chapter 4: The Kissinger Legacy
In the final chapter, Hitchens assesses the legacy of Kissinger and his impact on American foreign policy. He argues that Kissinger’s actions have had a lasting impact on American foreign policy and that his approach to realpolitik has been continued by subsequent administrations. Hitchens also discusses the ongoing debate over Kissinger’s role in the Vietnam War and his legacy as a war criminal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Trial of Henry Kissinger is a thought-provoking book that examines the actions of one of the most influential American politicians of the 20th century. Hitchens provides a detailed account of Kissinger’s life and his role in the Vietnam War, and he makes a compelling argument that Kissinger was a war criminal who should have been held accountable for his actions. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in American foreign policy and the role of realpolitik in shaping international relations.
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