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savshelfinger's review
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Edgy title but expect breadth over depth.
Organizing the chapters by region was interesting but made for a somewhat disjointed read.
Organizing the chapters by region was interesting but made for a somewhat disjointed read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Colonisation
frahhn's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
This collection of essays is organized geographically, with each chapter covering a different noxious example of US imperialism. I appreciated the emphasis on Kissinger not as a “great man” of history, meaning a person who seized power and made decisions, but as a spineless, amoral reactionary happy to switch sides when expedient. I was shocked how often I wrote “the definition of lie cheat and steal” in the margins. My point is that the book contextualizes Kissinger one person within the colonial regime, certainly with tremendous blood on his hands but not “special” or especially intelligent or inventive.
I struggled with the material a bit due to my own lack of knowledge of US global policy in the latter 20th century, but it provides me with so many threads to follow and interesting topics to explore.
In particular I was blown away hearing about Cuba’s aid of Angola, I look forward to reading more. I was horrified by the reference to Honduras privatizing whole cities as neoliberalism began strangling the global south. I also knew nothing about moroccos colonialism.
It was a fast read, definitely worth it if you’re looking for a quick overview of many many important world events.
I struggled with the material a bit due to my own lack of knowledge of US global policy in the latter 20th century, but it provides me with so many threads to follow and interesting topics to explore.
In particular I was blown away hearing about Cuba’s aid of Angola, I look forward to reading more. I was horrified by the reference to Honduras privatizing whole cities as neoliberalism began strangling the global south. I also knew nothing about moroccos colonialism.
It was a fast read, definitely worth it if you’re looking for a quick overview of many many important world events.
remingtonchase's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
A fascinating overview of Kissinger’s history, legacy, and influence throughout the globe. Seemed to be pretty fair in its representation. Not extremely detailed but a good intro.
dgrachel's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Henry Kissinger was a monster - a man without conscience or empathy, who managed to put in place national security policies to obtain maximum decision-making power with minimal accountability. He’s directly responsible for policies and actions across the globe that resulted in countless genocides, destabilized economies, and put ruthless authoritarian regimes in power. This short book chronicles his career as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor to Nixon and Ford, and as a consultant to other presidents and corporations. The essays are grouped by region, not timeline, which can be a bit confusing. While some of it is very dry, there’s a lot I didn’t know, and this has inspired me to dig deeper into various “conflicts” across the globe. The most heartbreaking thing about this book is US Foreign Policy hasn’t changed. Kissinger is merely a human face hiding the real horror. We’ve learned nothing. Our government’s depraved policies continue unchecked.
pivic's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0