The Vietnam War required us to emphasize the national interest rather than abstract principles. What President Nixon and I tried to do was unnatural. And that is why we didn't make it.More Henry Kissinger quotes [03/29/2018 05:03:36]

The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer.More Henry Kissinger quotes [01/01/2000 12:01:00]

I have been observing China for more than 30 years and am impressed how logically and wisely it tackles its problems. Obviously the international system could be unbalanced by China's rising power - if we don't prepare ourselves for the new competitive situation, that is. But it is an economic challenge, not aggression on the level of Hitler.More Henry Kissinger quotes [03/29/2018 05:03:36]

Intelligence is not all that important in the exercise of power, and is often, in point of fact, useless.More Henry Kissinger quotes [03/29/2018 05:03:36]

Of course, in principle, they're against it. We are the ones that keep asking them what they think about it. I think their basic concern is a land-based missile defense of Taiwan hooked into the American communications and other systems, which in effect would make Taiwan then an outpost of the United States. That is a concern they frequently express. A missile defense shield of the United States, while they may not like it, it is not a big obstacle to our relationship.More Henry Kissinger quotes [03/29/2018 05:03:36]