The Search for Stability

Abstract

In the following work Henry Kissinger reflects on the German question and the challenge to Western Europe and the United States posed by the November 27, 1958 ultimatum issued by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. The ultimatum called for ceding control of access to Berlin to the German Democratic Republic and the demilitarization of the western part of the city. Moscow even granted a six-month deadline to France, the United Kingdom and the United States to establish their own relations with the GDR. With the aim of “seeking stability” and balance within the West and with regards to the Soviet Union, Kissinger examines the importance of diplomacy and the scenario of possible and desired options. In doing this, Kissinger invokes action principles and behavioral logics that maximize the U.S. position while reducing the crisis context generated by this situation.