The civil rights movement played a vital role in reshaping American foreign policy by highlighting the contradictions between American ideals of freedom and democracy and the ongoing racial discrimination at home. Activists like Martin Luther King Jr. brought international attention to civil rights issues, prompting U.S. leaders to address these injustices to improve the nation’s image during the Cold War. The United States aimed to project itself as a moral leader opposing totalitarianism; thus, tackling racial inequality became intertwined with foreign relations. This shift influenced various diplomatic strategies and fostered alliances with nations that supported civil rights initiatives, enhancing global perceptions of the U.S.