Publication

This paper addresses the need to enhance the role of US chiefs of mission in interpreting and implementing US human rights policy abroad, summarizing the findings of a respective USIP workshop. The paper discusses the role of human rights in foreign policy making and identifies forces that influence an ambassador's work, including the US Department of State, the plan for the embassy and non-governmental organizations. Subsequently, the paper identifies tensions inherent to US human rights policy making. The paper calls for better cooperation among all branches of the US government.