Vanderbilt historian and Henry Kissinger biographer on Kissinger legacy ahead of 100th birthday

Thomas Schwartz, Distinguished Professor of History, is available for commentary surrounding the legacy of Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, ahead of his 100th birthday (May 27, 2023).

A historian of U.S. foreign relations, American politics, international relations and Modern European history, Thomas is the author of “Henry Kissinger and American Power: A Political Biography.”

Thomas can discuss Kissinger’s:

• Mixed bag legacy, receiving both praise for his guidance throughout the decades and criticism for his more controversial decisions
• Approach to foreign policy and leadership style, including: ability to recognize failures, penchant for backbiting and reliance on flattery and praise of the president as a source of power
• Invention of himself as a celebrity diplomat and his domination of TV news
• Sensitivity to domestic and partisan politics