But where do his own principal reference points come from? Both Metternich and his vision of an international conservative order, and Bismarck’s democratic relativism each have their place. What relevance does Kissinger’s vision hold today in a world characterized by diversification of players on the international scene and the breakdown of inter-state order?

Philippe Moreau Defarges, former diplomat, is Research fellow and RAMSES co-editor.

Article published in Politique étrangère, Vol. 82, No.1, Spring 2017.