In "Human Rights and United States Policy Toward Latin America," Lars Schoultz delves into the intricate dance of diplomacy, power, and ideals that characterized the U.S.'s approach to its neighbors to the south from the early 1960s to 1980. This period, marked by a global awakening to the importance of human rights, saw these principles increasingly influencing the United States' foreign policy decisions. Schoultz's rigorous analysis not only uncovers the reasons behind the incorporation of humanitarian values into the U.S. policy framework but also explores the complex bureaucratic machinery that shaped the implementation of these policies. By doing so, he offers a nuanced understanding of how America's foreign policy was wielded, and sometimes weaponized, in the context of its Latin American relationships. Schoultz's work is a critical examination of the intersection between idealism and realism on the geopolitical stage, providing readers with a detailed account of the evolution of U.S. foreign policy during a transformative era. Utilizing a wealth of historical data and insights into the political processes of the time, "Human Rights and United States Policy Toward Latin America" is not just a study of past policies but a reflection on the ongoing challenges of balancing national interests with global human rights imperatives. As part of the Princeton Legacy Library, this reissued edition ensures that Schoultz's important contribution to the field remains accessible, offering valuable lessons for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in the complex dynamics of international relations and human rights advocacy.