In Memoriam: Henry A. Kissinger

Dr. Henry A. Kissinger passed away on November 29, 2023, at age 100.

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) mourns the passing of Henry A. Kissinger, the fifty-sixth secretary of state and a member of CFR’s Board of Directors from 1977 to 1981.  

Dr. Kissinger’s storied association with CFR began in 1956 when he joined as a member and research fellow, and published his first book on U.S. foreign policy, Nuclear Weapons and Foreign Policy, earning him a national reputation and launching his pathbreaking career. In honor of his contributions to our institution and the country, CFR established the Henry A. Kissinger Chair for U.S. Foreign Policy in 2000, currently held by Ambassador Robert D. Blackwill.  

Dr. Kissinger will be remembered as one of the most influential foreign policy scholar-practitioners in U.S. history. His illustrious diplomatic career and unrivaled capacity to think strategically and analytically about the world order will continue to inspire future generations of foreign policy professionals. CFR offers its heartfelt condolences to his family. 

-David M. Rubenstein, Chairman
-Michael Froman, President 

Dr. Kissinger spoke at many CFR events over the years. Here are a few highlights: 

Lessons From History series: “A Conversation With Henry Kissinger” (2022) 

“Malcolm and Carolyn Wiener Annual Lecture on Science and Technology With Henry Kissinger and Eric Schmidt” (2021) 

“A Conversation With Henry A. Kissinger” (2020) 

“Henry Kissinger Looks Back on the Cold War” (2014)      

Dr. Kissinger was a frequent contributor to Foreign Affairs. Here are some selections: 

“The Path to AI Arms Control” (2023) 

“The Future of U.S.-Chinese Relations” (2012) 

“The Pitfalls of Universal Jurisdiction” (2001) 

“Between the Old Left and the New Right” (1999) 

“Reflections on Containment” (1994) 

“Bipartisan Objectives for an American Foreign Policy” (1988) 

“The Viet Nam Negotiations” (1969)