This article examines the role of the Peace Corps in U.S. foreign policy and specifically explores the role of the Peace Corps in improving the popular image of the United States. I empirically test the hypothesis that the presence of a Peace Corps program enhances a positive of view of the United States held by the people of that country. Using logistic regression analysis, I show that the presence of Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) in a country positively influences individuals' views toward the United States. I analyze survey research from the region of Latin America using datasets from the Latinobarometer public opinion survey. Furthermore, I present a theoretical explanation to understand how the presence of PCVs can lead to an improved perception of the United States. This explanation draws from the contact hypothesis originally proposed by Gordon Allport.
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Related Media
Documentaries: Peace Corps. 2010. “27 Months.” July 16. Parts 1 and 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67X9QQT0ir8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgco9rR9wicABC News. 2011. “20/20 Peace Corps Special.” Aired January 14. http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/obama‐sign‐kate‐puzey‐peace‐corps‐volunteer‐protection/story?id=14998236#.UZUS8Up4Bbw