U.S. human rights ratings significantly shape foreign policy by influencing aid, sanctions, and trade decisions.

Does foreign lobbying sway these crucial evaluations?

This study analyzes State Department country reports (1976–2012) alongside Foreign Agent Registration Act data to reveal:

• Countries engaging more U.S. lobbying receive comparatively better human rights ratings in subsequent official reports.

• This favorable shift occurs even when adjusting for prior report trends and comparing against independent assessments like Amnesty International's.

Our findings highlight the political dimensions behind seemingly objective performance indicators.