Jimmy Carter proclaimed that human rights would be the centerpiece of his foreign policy
Jimmy Carter proclaimed that human rights would be the centerpiece of his foreign policy. Carter was, no doubt, sincere in his intentions, but his application of human rights was inconsistent. Provide a description and analysis of Carter's human rights policy. Discuss both its limitations as well as Carter's positive contributions to human rights in American foreign policy and globally.
Sample Solution
Jimmy Carter proclaimed that human rights would be the centerpiece of his foreign policy Before assuming the presidency, Jimmy Carter had been a one-term governor of a southern state with no national or international experience. He did, however, have his own foreign policy goals. He wanted the United States to take the lead in promoting universal human rights. Carter came to the White House determined to make human rights considerations integral to U.S. foreign policy. He explained that U.S. support for human rights involved promoting human freedom worldwide and protecting the individual from the arbitrary power of the state. These principles grew out of the United Nation’s 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which established the foundation of the modern human rights movement. The Carter administration raised greater awareness of human rights concerns by connecting human rights to the execution of U.S. foreign policy.
In December 1938, during his presidential address in the 27th session of All India Muslim League at Patna, Muhammad Ali Jinnah paid his heartiest homage to this charismatic leader of Turkey in these words, ‘Another great figure; a world figure, who passed away is Mustafa Kamal Ataturk. His death has come as the great blow to the Muslim world. He was the foremost figure in the Muslim East’ (Haq, 2010).