Strategic US Foreign Assistance : The Battle Between Human Rights and National Security

In a post-Cold War environment, questions about the recipient country's human rights have been central to the debate concerning aid allocation. The United States (US) has included human rights as a major component of its foreign policy agenda beginning with the Marshall Plan and more recently with Plan Colombia designed to combat drug trafficking. Long-term strategic US relationships further demonstrate the battle between human rights and national security with the post-September 11, 2001 environment stressing the importance of strategic allies in the war on terrorism. However, there exists a paradox regarding US foreign assistance: does it really address human rights or is it merely another instrument in the US foreign policy toolbox? This insightful book addresses several key themes and questions revolving around the complex nature of US foreign policy and human rights.