

This two-part, three-hour biography, offers an incisive portrait of Henry Kissinger, the enigmatic powerbroker who served in the topmost echelons of American diplomacy. Whether celebrated or reviled, Kissinger’s contradictions reflect those at the heart of America’s foreign policy during the second half of the 20th century, a period in which America became the unchallenged superpower in the world yet often pursued policy at odds with its own highest ideals.By examining his life up to and throughout his tortured relationship with President Richard Nixon, Kissinger endeavors to understand precisely what drove his relentless drive for power. It is a story of deep contradictions — of Kissinger’s obsession with securing American supremacy, staving off nuclear war, and checking the power of our enemies, even while consorting with dictators and tolerating widespread violation of human rights.
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Trailer
Trailer | KISSINGER | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS
Cast

Henry Kissinger
Self (archival footage)
Scott Brick
Henry Kissinger (voice)

Richard Nixon
Self (archival footage)

Daniel Ellsberg
Self (archival footage)

Christopher Hitchens
Self (archival footage)

Niall Ferguson
Self

Fareed Zakaria
Self

Richard Haass
Self
Roham Alvandi
Self
Jeremi Suri
Self
David Kissinger
Self
Thomas Schwartz
Self
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