Jimmy Carter Passes Away: The Swan Song of an American Idealist Politician

On December 29, just after Christmas and before the arrival of 2025, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who had reached the age of 100, passed away. Governments, political figures, media outlets, and countless others around the world expressed their condolences. Evaluations of him have been predominantly positive, though not without significant controversy.

Supporters praised Carter for prioritizing human rights during his presidency, for his approachable and humble demeanor, and for breaking away from the hegemonic style of U.S. politics. His achievements included establishing diplomatic relations with ideological rivals like China and returning sovereignty over the Panama Canal. After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to international peace and humanitarian efforts until his death, further solidifying his reputation.

Critics, however, argue that Carter was ineffective in domestic policy and weak in diplomacy, citing examples like conceding too much to China and abandoning Iran’s pro-American Pahlavi regime, which paved the way for anti-American theocratic forces to rise to power.

Both the praise and criticism have their merits, depending on one’s values and perspective. Nevertheless, the vast majority of people (including many critics) acknowledge that Carter was a “good man.” By “good,” they mean kind, gentle, upright, and honest—qualities that are rare and precious in the cutthroat world of politics and the self-interest-driven international stage.

In American history, most presidents and politicians have been pragmatists, such as Harry S. Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and the two Bushes(George Bush,Walker Bush) whose decisions were primarily based on U.S. interests rather than international justice or the intrinsic right and wrong of global disputes. Only a few presidents, like Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Barack Obama, could be considered relatively idealistic, though even their progressive foreign policies were ultimately aimed at expanding U.S. influence.

Carter, however, was a unique president whose domestic and foreign policies genuinely prioritized human rights, morality, justice, and fairness. During the Cold War, when ideological confrontation was intense, Carter actively sought to improve relations with communist states, reducing unnecessary hostility and breaking through the “Iron Curtain” and “Bamboo Curtain.” This, in itself, was a groundbreaking achievement. Meanwhile, after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, the Carter administration imposed a series of sanctions, proving that his approach to the Eastern bloc was not unconditional appeasement but rather based on principles of justice and humanitarianism.

Carter’s decision to abandon the Pahlavi regime in Iran and its subsequent consequences were unforeseen. Before coming to power, Ayatollah Khomeini promised to establish an inclusive new government, and while the Pahlavi regime had achieved some accomplishments, it was undeniably corrupt and autocratic. The transformation of Iran into a theocratic state with extreme anti-American sentiments was something neither Carter nor many other Westerners could have anticipated. The blame lies with Khomeini’s betrayal of his promises and the authoritarian violence of Iran’s theocratic forces, not with Carter.

As for Carter’s efforts to establish diplomatic relations and exchanges between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, this was undoubtedly a significant positive development from the perspectives of the Chinese government, the majority of its people, U.S. interests, and global benefits. The criticism that Carter “abandoned the Republic of China/Taiwan” or “enabled authoritarian China” does not reflect the full reality. Mainland China, with the largest population in the world and vast territory, is an unavoidable presence in international affairs. It was impossible for the U.S. government to indefinitely refuse diplomatic relations with it or continue to allow the Taiwan-based government to represent China. Even if reluctantly, U.S.-PRC normalization was inevitable. If Carter hadn’t facilitated this, someone else would have. For instance, even the right-wing Reagan administration maintained friendly relations with China later, partly to counter the Soviet Union.

What makes Carter even more admirable—and often overlooked—is his over four decades of activism after leaving office. He remained active in both American and international arenas, devoting himself to environmental protection, the rights of marginalized groups, cross-cultural exchanges, and education. He also nurtured numerous talents who made significant contributions to human rights and humanitarian causes.

For example, the Carter Center, co-founded by Carter and his wife, has become a leading organization dedicated to mediating conflicts between nations and within countries, reducing violence, promoting peace, combating infectious diseases, alleviating poverty, advancing education in underdeveloped regions, and protecting the rights of women and children. The center has also long been involved in U.S.-China relations, human rights in China, and Chinese social governance, playing an important role in China’s development and reform as well as in maintaining friendly U.S.-China ties.

The contributions made by Carter, his wife, and their colleagues were immense, delivered in a quiet and unassuming manner. Many Chinese political opposition figures favor politicians who loudly threaten the Chinese government, advocate for “decoupling and severing ties,” and are not only anti-Communist but also anti-China. They often ignore or even disparage Carter and others who planted seeds of human rights and hope in China, which is both shortsighted and narrow-minded. Promoting human rights and progress in China cannot rely on the biting north wind but rather on the gentle warmth of sunlight. Of course, specific policies and actions can be critiqued on a case-by-case basis, and the pros and cons of engagement policies with authoritarian regimes are open for debate. However, Carter’s decades-long efforts to promote human rights and improve livelihoods in impoverished regions—both in China and worldwide—are overall highly commendable.

Compared to years past, today’s world is marked by greater divisions. Nationalism, populism, xenophobia, and isolationism are on the rise in many countries. Politicians are increasingly focused on their own interests and the self-interest of their nations, while international conflicts and zero-sum games are becoming more frequent. To win or protect their interests, people often resort to lies and unscrupulous tactics, discarding morality and integrity as if they were worthless. Recent developments in U.S. politics, particularly Trump’s two presidential victories and the escalating political infighting between Democrats and Republicans, have dimmed America’s image as a “beacon of light.” Against this backdrop, Carter’s domestic and foreign policies, which embodied the spirit of American idealism, are even more worthy of remembrance. Carter's political qualities and practices, such as his adherence to political ethics, opposition to war and authoritarianism, and care for the disadvantaged, deserve attention and preservation.

Admittedly, the author is not optimistic about the future of China, the United States, or the world at large. It seems unlikely that America will see another politician as virtuous and good-hearted as Carter. Carter may well be the final chapter of America’s “idealistic politics.” Yet, despite the challenges, people must retain some degree of faith and strive to make the world a slightly better place.

No matter how great a figure may be, all must eventually pass away. But while life is finite, the soul is immortal, and the legacies left behind can continue to benefit future generations. As Mr. Carter leaves us, those who, amidst today’s turbulent and dark times, still dream, still believe in truth, goodness, and beauty, and still hold that the world can achieve peace, progress, fairness, and justice, must press forward with determination. They must carry on the ideals and spirit of the departed. This is the best way to honor Carter and all those who have dedicated their lives to peace, democracy, and progress but passed away before realizing their ambitions.