What do you think collectively of the six cases Henry Kissinger selects for this book? Are they sufficiently representative and important? Are there case studies you may have added or subtracted?

None of Kissinger’s chosen case studies stayed in power past 1990, a year generally associated with the end of the Cold War. Are they still the best sources of wisdom for the post–Cold War world, if none of them actually governed in that world? Why or why not?

Kissinger’s focus on individuals reflects his belief that great leaders really are the prime movers of history. Do you think that he pays insufficient attention to structural forces? If so, explain how they might compel the actors involved to behave in particular ways. If not, expanding on Kissinger’s own justifications, explain why individuals should be the prime focus.