Leadership

Six Studies in World Strategy

By: Henry Kissinger

Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins

Length: 19 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The instant New York Times bestseller

Henry Kissinger, consummate diplomat and statesman, examines the strategies of six great twentieth-century figures and brings to life a unifying theory of leadership and diplomacy

“An extraordinary book, one that braids together two through lines in the long and distinguished career of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger...In Leadership he presents a fascinating set of historical case studies and political biographies that blend the dance and the dancer, seamlessly.” - James Stavridis, The Wall Street Journal

“Leaders,” writes Henry Kissinger in this compelling book, “think and act at the intersection of two axes: the first, between the past and the future; the second, between the abiding values and aspirations of those they lead. They must balance what they know, which is necessarily drawn from the past, with what they intuit about the future, which is inherently conjectural and uncertain. It is this intuitive grasp of direction that enables leaders to set objectives and lay down a strategy.”

In Leadership, Kissinger analyses the lives of six extraordinary leaders through the distinctive strategies of statecraft, which he believes they embodied. After the Second World War, Konrad Adenauer brought defeated and morally bankrupt Germany back into the community of nations by what Kissinger calls “the strategy of humility.” Charles de Gaulle set France beside the victorious Allies and renewed its historic grandeur by “the strategy of will.” During the Cold War, Richard Nixon gave geostrategic advantage to the United States by “the strategy of equilibrium.” After twenty-five years of conflict, Anwar Sadat brought a vision of peace to the Middle East by a “strategy of transcendence.” Against the odds, Lee Kuan Yew created a powerhouse city-state, Singapore, by “the strategy of excellence.” And, though Britain was known as “the sick man of Europe” when Margaret Thatcher came to power, she renewed her country’s morale and international position by “the strategy of conviction.”

To each of these studies, Kissinger brings historical perception, public experience and—because he knew each of the subjects and participated in many of the events he describes—personal knowledge. Leadership is enriched by insights and judgements that only Kissinger could make and concludes with his reflections on world order and the indispensability of leadership today.

©2022 Henry Kissinger (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Priceless!

Exceptionally insightful this book explains the link between principles and action, between values and implementation or reaching the goal within one’s moral moral parameters. I hope it’s not lost to those who were not contemporary with the events, or if they were, it gives them the incentive to learn about them. An intellectual delight.

Excellent story of History

written by a scholar and leader of the time on other leaders in the last century

Excellent Lessons on Leadership

A great look back at recent history. Perfect for boomers and political science students. Don’t miss this one.

Another brilliant book by Henry Kissinger

Henry Kissinger does a great job dissecting the various qualities and styles of six prominent, successful leaders that Dr. Kissinger associated with in his career. Great book for anyone aspiring to be a great leader, or anyone interested in helping to promote and elect great leaders.

Amazing performance

Truly honored the writer and the book’s intent. The pace and enunciation were just right.

Extraordinarily insightful

This was a remarkable analysis of six different leaders in the last half 20th century. The book was all the more extraordinary because it was written by a 99 year old former Secretary of State. Even if you don't agree with many of Kissinger's ideas he provides a very cogent approach to thinking about the question of leadership and the book is a tremendous vehicle for considering what factors make a good or bad leader.

Very insightful!

This book provides a wide range of perspectives and examples in Grand Strategy. This book goes far beyond the normal surface level analogies that are all too common when examining historical figures for something one can apply to their own life.
Instead of the typical "this is how you lead" type book, this book explains how the leaders led and dispells the myth that great leaders are invulnerable and their actions come without great and personal consequences. There is enough clarity in the examples given that one can draw well informed lessons to apply in one's life but also recognize the limits of the lessons drawn.
I appreciated that the book addresses the Abraham Accords, the war in Ukraine, and the world becoming tri-polar. Particularly helpful, in kissinger-fashion, the book ends with some predictions about the future, some major considerations in the ever changing technological landscape, the changes that are excluding deep learning, why the wold is far less likely to see the kind of leaders again described in the book, and finally how our world is changing from valuing meritocracy to a new kind of world valuing something entirely different.

Excellent, in every way

Henry Kissinger‘s book is an interesting and comprehensive look at 6 leaders who emerged (many from lower middle class backgrounds) in the post World War II world. Secretary Kissinger‘s personal involvement with each of these leaders adds an unexpected and wonderful dimension to this book. Highly recommend. The narration is terrific and the substance of the book is absolutely a five-star experience. This one checks all of my boxes. Definitely a must read.

Dr. Kissinger's riveting description of each leaders personality and traits, strengths and weaknesses.

I'm actually amazed at Dr. Kissinger's mind and ability to portray the political and human intricacies of such complex leaders... especially at his age of this work.

Timely

Good reading for those interested in public service. The epilogue alone is worth the credit.