Not radical enough: Why Jimmy Carter failed to change American Foreign Policy

President Jimmy Carter failed to translate his words and ideals concerning human rights into deeds and practices in US foreign policy. Carter, already in the formative period of his administration in 1976-7, was too conservative and traditional in his outlook on international relations. While his heart was at the right place, the Cold War was still his focus rather than a consistent implementation of a new human rights paradigm, especially with respect to American allies in the Developing World. Carter did not sufficiently reform the practice of US foreign policy. He did not believe enough in advocating human rights so a meaningful recast of traditional priorities was difficult. Carter relied on existing policies, conduct, personalities and administrative structures. Carter's earnest intention to change America's policy, blending principles and commitment, was severely undermined by the National Security Council (especially Zbigniew Brzezinksi) well before the well known shifts to SALT II, Panama Canal Treaties, and the Middle East