However, Carter’s presidency was also defined by difficulties. The hostage crisis, rising inflation, and the energy crisis contributed to a decline in public confidence. These challenges culminated in his defeat in the 1980 election, after which he left office with relatively low approval ratings compared to many of his predecessors.
Yet Carter’s post-presidency fundamentally reshaped his legacy. Through the Carter Center, he dedicated decades to global humanitarian work, focusing on disease eradication, election monitoring, conflict resolution, and human rights advocacy. His efforts in combating Guinea worm disease and promoting democratic processes in developing nations earned widespread international respect.
