The Intersection of Human Rights and Diplomacy: The American Case

US administrations have historically subscribed to the relevance of human rights as an important element in the American diplomatic endeavor. Given American engagement after World War II with authoritarian rulers around the world, many countries viewed the US focus on human rights as a convenient tool applied only under special circumstances. Yet, US support for the fundamentals enshrined in the human rights declaration has given heft to these principles, and US international standing has enhanced its image as a nation that believes in freedom for the pursuit of a better future guaranteed by a democratic model of governance. As the world recovers from COVID-19, nations will begin to engage with each other. The quality of that engagement will define the future intersection of human rights and diplomacy.