Davos 2017 - A Conversation with Henry Kissinger on the World in 2017

TL;DR

Dr. Kissinger discusses the importance of China's speech on globalization, advises President Trump on defining America's role, and proposes solutions for peace in the Middle East and the strengthening of the Atlantic partnership.

Transcript

thank you thank you very much Jeff cutmore from CNBC and I'm delighted to see you Dr Kissinger on the screen and for me it's a very moving moment because actually I met Dr Kissinger the first time exactly 50 years ago at Harvard uh Dr Kissinger you have been back um a number of years here in Davos I remember also our discussion and many participant... Read More

Key Insights

• 😯 President Xi Jinping's speech emphasized China's commitment to participating in the construction of a new international order.
• 🌏 The current international order is disintegrating, and new elements from Asia and the developing world are entering.
• 🌎 President Trump should define America's role, addressing concerns that the country is giving up its leadership.
• 🇺🇸 Dialogue and cooperation between the United States, Europe, and Russia are crucial for peace in the Middle East.
• 👶 The Atlantic partnership between the U.S. and Europe is vital, but the institutions need to be reexamined to address new challenges.
• 🇺🇸 Brexit could be an opportunity for Europe to define a new role in collaboration with the United States in addressing key issues.
• 👶 A new period of the Atlantic region's contribution to the world's structure is possible if dialogue and cooperation are encouraged.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the key significance of President Xi Jinping's speech on globalization?

Dr. Kissinger believes the speech asserts China's participation in building an international order, which is important as the existing order is disintegrating and new elements from Asia and the developing world are entering.

Q: What advice would Dr. Kissinger give to President Trump regarding America's role in the world?

Dr. Kissinger advises President Trump to define America's role by addressing concerns that the country is giving up its leadership, finding a balance between areas where it can lead and contribute, and supporting the creation of an international order.

Q: How does Dr. Kissinger view the current relationship between Russia and the United States?

He believes both sides are operating on worst assumptions about each other, with the U.S. resenting the hacking and Russia feeling pressured by the U.S.'s security belt expansion. Dr. Kissinger supports a political approach to alleviate tensions and hopes for a serious dialogue between the two countries.

Q: What conditions must be met for peace and stability in the Middle East, and is it a realistic objective?

Dr. Kissinger believes the first step is to calm the existing crisis, particularly in Syria, by achieving a ceasefire, withdrawal of outside forces, and defining political units. He acknowledges that achieving universal peace may not be possible yet but emphasizes the need to restore equilibrium and prevent any party's military dominance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dr. Kissinger highlights the significance of President Xi Jinping's speech on globalization and China's participation in the construction of an international order.

• He advises President Trump to define America's role in the world, striking a balance between leadership and necessary contributions in different areas.

• Dr. Kissinger emphasizes the need for dialogue and cooperation between the United States, Europe, and Russia to prevent further confrontation and secure peace in the Middle East.