The only reason he isn't remembered as one of the worst ever in those categories is because he was followed by the absolute worst possible President in those categories.Nixon was very bad in a lot of ways, but his move to recognize China and drive a wedge between them and the Soviets was brilliant. Not cost free, but brilliant. It was one of the key elements of winning the Cold War.
I was thinking more along the lines of the detente policies, but you make a valid point.