President Jimmy Carter's commitment to protecting international human rights has been highlighted by his willingness to engage with controversial world leaders, according to presidential historian Douglas Brinkley. Brinkley noted that Carter's dedication to peace led him to hold discussions with various leaders, including dictators in countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina and North Korea.
One of Carter's notable diplomatic endeavors was his talks with North Korean leader Kim Il Sung in 1994 regarding the country's nuclear development. However, Carter's decision to disclose details of his discussions with Kim before informing the US government created challenges for then-President Clinton, who had to ensure that North Korea confirmed its commitments directly to the US.
Brinkley, while researching for Carter's biography 'The Unfinished Presidency,' delved into the former president's personal files, uncovering numerous letters written to controversial figures worldwide, urging them to release political prisoners.
In a remarkable display of diplomacy, Carter returned to North Korea in 2010 to secure the release of American citizen Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who was accused of illegally entering the country. Even at the age of 94, Carter expressed his willingness to revisit North Korea in a bid to facilitate peace negotiations on the Korean Peninsula.
