Blessed Are the Activists: Catholic Advocacy, Human Rights, and Genocide in Guatemala

Blessed Are the Activists is a book that examines the history of Catholic activism in Guatemala and the failed US policies in the country and region during the 1970s and 1980s. It argues that Catholic activists' definition of human rights, advocacy methods, and structure caused them to act as a transnational human rights NGO that engaged Guatemalan and US government officials on human rights issues, reported on Guatemalas human rights violations, and criticized US foreign policy decisions as a contributing factor in Guatemalas inequality, poverty, and violence. The book also includes interviews with Guatemalan genocide survivors and refugees to provide firsthand accounts of the consequences of those policymaking decisions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Alabama Press

Blessed Are the Activists delves into the captivating history of Catholic activism, driven by a unwavering commitment to mitigating human rights abuses in Guatemala. This profound exploration uncovers the intricate tapestry of US policies in the country and region during the tumultuous 1970s and 1980s. Through the lens of Cangemi's insightful analysis, the book sheds light on the profound influence of US Catholic activists on the complex dynamics between the United States and Guatemala during the height of the civil wars.

Cangemi argues that Catholic activists, with their distinct definition of human rights, advocacy strategies, and organizational structure, emerged as a powerful transnational human rights NGO. Their unwavering commitment to justice, solidarity, and peace propelled them to engage with Guatemalan and US government officials, report on human rights violations, and criticize US foreign policy decisions as contributing factors to Guatemala's inequality, poverty, and violence.

This book is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Catholic activists, who risked their lives to bring the plight of Guatemala's poorest citizens to the global forefront. Cangemi's meticulous research highlights the profound connections they forged between dignity, justice, and peace, ultimately contributing to the heightened awareness of Guatemala's challenges on a global scale.

In addition to examining the activism of Catholic activists, Blessed Are the Activists delves into the intricate diplomatic relationship between the United States and Guatemala. Cangemi explores how Guatemalan military dictatorship exposed the inherent flaws in the Carter administration's decision to link military aid to human rights, ultimately intensifying the country's bloody civil war. He also sheds light on the internal foreign policy debates within the Carter and Reagan administrations, which played a significant role in exacerbating the conflict.

To provide a more personal and poignant perspective, Cangemi includes interviews with Guatemalan genocide survivors and refugees, offering firsthand accounts of the devastating consequences of those policymaking decisions. These accounts serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of misguided policies and the urgent need for accountability and change.

Furthermore, Blessed Are the Activists delves into the critical role of the US Catholic press in challenging US policies on Guatemala and Central America. As the broader Roman Catholic Church began to shift its stance on these issues, the Catholic press emerged as a powerful voice of dissent, denouncing the injustices and human rights violations perpetrated by US-backed governments.

In conclusion, Blessed Are the Activists is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the complex history of Catholic activism, US policies, and the human rights struggles in Guatemala. Through meticulous research, personal accounts, and a critical analysis of the broader political landscape, Cangemi offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the factors that shaped Guatemala's tragic history and the ongoing challenges facing the country. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of religion, politics, and human rights and the urgent need for global solidarity and action.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780817321789