The Trials of Henry Kissinger

The Trials of Henry Kissinger, released in 2002, is a documentary film produced and directed by Eugene Jarecki and Alex Gibney. The film offers an in-depth analysis of the controversial foreign policy decisions made by former U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, and the legal and moral implications of his actions. It features interviews with Kissinger himself, as well as with journalists, lawyers, historians, and other experts.

The film begins with an overview of Kissinger's rise to power and his role as national security advisor and later Secretary of State during the Nixon and Ford administrations. It then delves into Kissinger's involvement in various events and conflicts, such as the Vietnam War, the bombing of Cambodia, and the 1973 coup in Chile.

Throughout the film, the question of whether Kissinger should be held accountable for his actions is repeatedly raised. The filmmakers explore Kissinger's potential involvement in war crimes and human rights violations, including his alleged role in the Targeted Assassination program, which authorized the assassination of opponents of various U.S.-backed regimes in Latin America.

The film also highlights Kissinger's tendency toward secrecy and his disregard for accountability. For example, the filmmakers discuss Kissinger's attempts to avoid public scrutiny by classifying and withholding documents related to his foreign policy decisions, as well as his failure to attend congressional hearings and respond to subpoenas.

One particularly memorable moment in the film is an interview with journalist Christopher Hitchens, who filed a lawsuit against Kissinger in 2001 for his role in the Chilean coup and subsequent human rights abuses. Hitchens discusses the challenges of bringing Kissinger to justice, including the various legal roadblocks and the lack of political will to hold him accountable.

Overall, The Trials of Henry Kissinger is a thought-provoking and compelling documentary that raises important questions about the limits of executive power and the responsibilities of public servants. It offers a detailed look at one of the most controversial figures in modern American history and challenges viewers to grapple with the moral and legal complexities of Kissinger's actions.