Episode 16: Henry Kissinger and Cold War Strategy

In this episode of Strategy Matters, we explore Henry Kissinger’s impact on the Late Cold War, focusing on how his background and scholarly interests shaped his emphasis on balance-of-power politics, strategic stability, and the alignment of strategy with capabilities. Host Brendan Neagle is joined by two professors at the United States Naval War College: Dr. Richard Moss and Dr. Marc Genest. The discussion highlights Kissinger’s central role in advancing détente, orchestrating the opening to the People’s Republic of China, and practicing triangular diplomacy to exploit the Sino-Soviet split (which we also learn is the name of a mixed drink). Lastly, the guests examine Kissinger’s belief in stability as a guiding principle of international order and his reliance on personal and informal diplomacy, drawing lessons for today’s great-power competition.

The opinions expressed on this podcast represent the views of the presenters and do not reflect the official position of the Department of War, The US Navy, or US Naval War College.

Guests:

Dr. Richard Moss is a professor in the Russian Maritime Studies Institute at the U.S. Naval War College. He has a PhD in history from George Washington University and specializes in U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War. His book “Nixon's Back Channel to Moscow: Confidential Diplomacy and Detente” traced the role Kissinger played in providing the diplomatic back channels that led to a thaw in the Cold War.

Dr. Marc Genest is the Forrest Sherman Professor of Public Diplomacy in the Strategy and Policy Department at the US Naval War College. He has a doctorate in international politics from Georgetown University and has written numerous books and articles on international relations, strategic communication, American foreign policy and public opinion.