Book Description

This volume contains the proceedings of the International Conference The Presidency of James Earl Carter Junior. Between Reformism, Pacifism and Human Rights, held in Rome on April 28, 2016, at the Institute Santa Maria in Aquiro, with the Senate of the Italian Republic patronage. Forty years after his election to the White House, it was deemed necessary to reflect on the political activity of a President little considered, until now, by the Italian historiography. The Carter Presidency, inspired since its inception by a predominant religious sentiment, was marked by a clear break with the past. Themes such as the respect for human rights, dialogue with the historic Soviet enemy, pacifism as a weapon of the Middle East problem resolution, industrial development through a sustainable approach were introduced right from the thirty-ninth occupant of the White House. At the presidential elections of 1980, which saw him clash with the Republican Ronald Reagan, Carter paid especially the failures of his reform and economic policy: the US economic difficulties and the significant increase in the unemployment rate were the main reasons that cost him his reelection. Reformism, pacifism, respect for human rights: concepts that would continue to inspire Carter’s policy, despite the defeat against Reagan.