Description
Book SynopsisDrawing on confidential Argentinian documents and memoranda, Behind the Disappearances documents a seven-year diplomatic war by one of the twentieth century''s most brutal regimes. It relates how, starting in 1976, Argentina''s military government tried to cripple the UN''s human rights machinery in an effort to prevent international condemnation of its policy of disappearances. Initially this attempt succeeded, but in 1980—with encouragement from the Carter administration—UN officials regained the initiative and created a special working group on disappearances that rejuvenated the UN''s efforts. This progress was abruptly halted in 1981 when the Reagan administration sided with the Argentinian regime. The result, claims the author, not only undercut the UN''s actions against disappearances but also weakened its chances of playing a positive role in aiding Latin America''s transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Trade Review"One of the best and most interesting treatments of the human rights movement, and of the dynamics of the United Nations human rights system, written to date." *
Human Rights Quarterly *
"Truth
is more chilling than fiction. And when the tale is spun by an adroit writer, the truth is more compelling still. . . . Guest develops a suspenseful plot, making
Behind the Disappearances truly an educational page turner." *
Clifton Magazine *
