The James T. Kirk who died was a reformed Mirror Kirk. That's why we don't know who Antonia is and why Kirk is so surprised that Spock is an ambassador*. Spock actually rescued Kirk from the Nexus not long after he went into it (as we would expect).
Although some might be surprised that someone who said "we can now finally admit that the purpose of diplomacy is to prolong a crises" entered the diplomatic corps. Doubtless he did so to change things.
Although some might be surprised that someone who said "we can now finally admit that the purpose of diplomacy is to prolong a crises" entered the diplomatic corps. Doubtless he did so to change things.