Jeane Kirkpatrick was an influential American diplomat and political scientist best known for her role as the first female U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, serving under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1985. She gained prominence for her strong views on foreign policy, particularly regarding communism and human rights. Kirkpatrick advocated for a pragmatic approach, emphasizing the importance of supporting authoritarian regimes if they aligned with U.S. interests, a stance that sparked significant debate during her tenure. In her writings, Kirkpatrick argued that democracies often do not fight each other, which led to her support for backing anti-communist governments. This perspective prompted discussions about the moral implications of U.S. foreign policy. Her essay "Dictatorships and Double Standards," published in 1979, highlighted her belief that the U.S. should not apply the same standards of democracy and human rights universally, especially in the context of the Cold War. Beyond her diplomatic career, Kirkpatrick was a prominent intellectual figure, contributing to various publications and think tanks. She was recognized for her ability to articulate the complexities of international relations, making her a respected voice in both academic and political arenas. Throughout her life, she advocated for conservative principles and was a pivotal figure in shaping the U.S. foreign policy narrative during the later decades of the 20th century. Jeane Kirkpatrick was born on November 19, 1926, in Duncan, Oklahoma, and pursued her education at Barnard College and Columbia University. She became a political activist, eventually leading her to academia and her role in the Reagan administration. Kirkpatrick's career was marked by her participation in numerous debates on foreign policy, where she articulated her defense of America's stance in the global arena, often facing criticism for her views on authoritarian regimes. After leaving her post at the UN, she continued to influence political thought as a writer and speaker, emphasizing the necessity of strong American leadership in the world and the challenges posed by global totalitarianism.