He was born in Furth, Germany in 1923, shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 & passed away in Connecticut in 2023

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Jeopardy! closed its episode with a clue from the category “Born & Died”: “He was born in Fürth, Germany in 1923, shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 & passed away in Connecticut in 2023.”

Who is Henry Kissinger?

Henry Kissinger remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in American foreign policy. Born Heinz Alfred Kissinger in Fürth, Germany, in 1923, he emigrated to the United States in 1938 to escape Nazi persecution. His journey from a German-Jewish refugee to a key architect of U.S. global strategy during the Cold War is widely documented. His legacy includes détente with the Soviet Union, the opening of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and a controversial role in the Vietnam War peace negotiations.

A Nobel Laureate for Vietnam Diplomacy

The Nobel Peace Prize, which Kissinger shared with North Vietnamese diplomat Lê Đức Thọ in 1973, recognized their work in negotiating the Paris Peace Accords intended to end American involvement in the Vietnam War. Lê Đức Thọ refused the award, citing ongoing conflict, but Kissinger accepted it, sparking debate. Critics argued that the agreement did not bring true peace, as fighting continued in Vietnam for two more years.

Despite the criticism, the Nobel Committee saw the agreement as a pivotal moment in Cold War diplomacy. Kissinger’s strategic approach to international relations—sometimes described as “realpolitik”—defined much of U.S. foreign policy during the Nixon and Ford administrations. His supporters have credited him with reducing tensions between major powers and avoiding direct conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during a volatile era.

A Complex Legacy in Global Affairs

Beyond Vietnam, Kissinger played a major role in reshaping U.S. relations with major world powers. He was instrumental in engineering Nixon’s 1972 visit to China, which led to the normalization of diplomatic relations and shifted the balance of Cold War power. He also advocated for shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East following the 1973 Yom Kippur War, efforts that laid the groundwork for future peace initiatives.

However, his involvement in U.S.-backed coups and authoritarian regimes in Latin America and Southeast Asia continues to spark controversy. Declassified documents and historical investigations have linked his policies to human rights violations in countries such as Chile, Argentina, and East Timor. These associations have generated intense debate among historians, policymakers, and activists alike.

Death at Age 100 in Connecticut

Kissinger passed away on November 29, 2023, at his home in Kent, Connecticut, at the age of 100. Until his death, he remained active in public life, publishing books, giving interviews, and offering commentary on modern international affairs. His centennial birthday in May 2023 was marked by public reflections on his impact, both positive and negative, on world history.

His death brought renewed attention to the decisions and doctrines that defined an era. For some, he was a master strategist who maintained U.S. power and stability. For others, his legacy is defined by secrecy, proxy conflicts, and moral compromises. Either way, his influence remains a subject of ongoing examination.

A Fitting Subject for Final Jeopardy

The clue served as a reminder of a life that spanned one of the most turbulent centuries in human history. From fleeing Nazi Germany to advising U.S. presidents, winning the Nobel Peace Prize, and shaping global strategy, Henry Kissinger’s century-long life intersected with the defining conflicts and ideologies of the modern era. The Final Jeopardy clue was not just a trivia question—it was a reflection on a man whose policies continue to influence international relations to this day.