Celebrated and Reviled: Henry Kissinger Shapes the Cold War History of Cheese

By David E. Sanger Not really

Celebrated and Reviled: Henry Kissinger Shapes the Cold War History of Cheese

Henry Kissinger, the renowned diplomat and political figure, has left an indelible mark on the history of cheese during the Cold War era. As a key player in United States international relations and a prominent figure in the Vietnam War, Kissinger's influence extended even to matters of cheese diplomacy.

Born in Germany in 1923, Kissinger immigrated to the United States with his family in 1938 to escape the growing Nazi threat. He went on to study at Harvard University, where he quickly established himself as a brilliant academic and a formidable intellect. These qualities caught the attention of influential individuals, including then-President Richard Milhous Nixon.

In 1969, Kissinger joined the Nixon administration as the National Security Advisor, later assuming the position of Secretary of State. It was during his tenure in these roles that Kissinger's involvement in shaping the Cold War history of cheese began.

One of the most significant events in this regard was Kissinger's secret visit to China in 1971. This groundbreaking diplomatic mission paved the way for improved relations between the United States and China, and even had unforeseen consequences for the cheese industry.