Henry Kissinger, the instantly recognizable US diplomat whose unapologetic promotion of raw American power helped shape the post-World War II world, died Wednesday. He was 100., Henry Kissinger played a pivotal role in shaping American politics on the global stage, particularly during the Cold War era., Born on May 27, 1923, in Fürth, Germany, fled Nazi persecution with his Jewish family in 1938, seeking refuge in the United States. Settling in New York, Kissinger showcased exceptional intellectual prowess, earning a scholarship to Harvard University., He married Ann Fleisher in 1949, and they had two children. His higher education journey took him to Harvard University, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1950 with a degree in political science, later earning master's and doctoral degrees in the same field., He orchestrated the policy of détente with the Soviet Union. One of the key milestones during this period was the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreements. Kissinger played a central role in negotiating these treaties with the Soviet leadership., He played a pivotal role in initiating US-China diplomatic ties. In a highly secretive move in 1971, Henry Kissinger made a clandestine trip to Beijing, marking the first direct contact between high-level officials from the U.S. and China in over two decades., Kissinger, instrumental in the Paris Peace Accords of 1973, concluded secret negotiations, marking the end of direct U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Simultaneously, he showcased diplomatic skills in the Middle East, securing a ceasefire during the Yom Kippur War in the same year., Henry Kissinger's appointment to lead the 9/11 Commission was initially considered, but he withdrew due to concerns about disclosing his business clients., He met with former President Trump on occasion and provided informal advice. However, he did not hold a formal position within the administration. Kissinger's influence on foreign policy discussions was recognised, but he did not serve in any official capacity., Henry Kissinger received numerous major awards throughout his life, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 for his role in Vietnam War negotiations. He was also honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom., Henry Kissinger's Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 stirred controversy due to his role in the Vietnam War. Critics argued that the accolade contradicted the ongoing conflict's nature. Kissinger's diplomatic efforts were lauded, but the award highlighted the complexities of honouring peace., Henry Kissinger's realpolitik approach emphasized practical, pragmatic diplomacy driven by national interests. He believed in engaging with nations based on power dynamics rather than ideological considerations., During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, he was critical of India's intervention, expressing concerns about the geopolitical implications. His remarks on India and other nations, particularly in confidential communications, have been controversial., Henry Kissinger referred to India as a "Soviet stooge" during the Cold War, expressing concerns about its alignment. He described Indians as "sentimental" and expressed skepticism about India's ability to navigate global politics., Henry Kissinger's views on India were influenced by the Cold War dynamics and the broader East-West rivalry. During his tenure as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, Kissinger perceived India's alignment with the Soviet Union as a challenge to US interests., Henry Kissinger is a prolific author, and some of his most popular books offer insights into his diplomatic career, international relations, and geopolitical analyses., Henry Kissinger's speeches and writings have produced several famous quotes that are often cited in the field of international relations.