Thomas C. Mann

Thomas C. Mann (born August 5, 1912, in Laredo, Texas; died January 22, 1991, in Dallas, Texas) was a prominent American diplomat who served as Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs under Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. His career focused heavily on U.S. policy towards Latin America during the Cold War.

Mann's diplomatic service began in 1942. He held various posts in Latin American countries, including Ecuador, El Salvador, and Mexico, eventually becoming Ambassador to El Salvador (1955-1957) and Ambassador to Mexico (1961-1963).

As Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (initially as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs) from 1960 to 1965, Mann was a key architect of U.S. policy in the region. He is often associated with the "Mann Doctrine," a set of principles emphasizing economic growth and non-intervention in Latin American domestic affairs, while prioritizing stability and opposition to communist influence, even if that meant supporting authoritarian regimes. This approach represented a shift from the Kennedy administration's emphasis on promoting democratic reforms through the Alliance for Progress. The Mann Doctrine was criticized for its perceived prioritization of stability over democracy and its support of right-wing dictatorships.

After leaving the State Department in 1965, Mann entered the private sector. He remained a controversial figure due to his role in shaping U.S. policy towards Latin America during a period of significant political and social upheaval. His legacy continues to be debated in discussions of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on the region.