In the second half of the 20th century, Kissinger evokes the fundamental choices underpinning American diplomacy. But where do his own principal reference points come from ? Both Metternich and his vision of a 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 ?