Nolan’s Research Garners Acclaim in The New Republic

Rachel Nolan, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, has earned high praise for her research on the coerced adoption of Guatemalan children in a recent review by The New Republic. Journalist Cora Currier’s insightful analysis highlights Nolan’s meticulous examination of this troubling aspect of history.

Nolan’s book, “Until I Find You: Disappeared Children and Coercive Adoptions in Guatemala,” meticulously explores the complex dynamics that led to the adoption of over 40,000 Guatemalan children, with nearly 30,000 finding homes in the United States. Drawing from previously untapped archives and leveraging her journalistic prowess, Nolan provides a comprehensive account of the injustices faced by birth mothers and the complicity of U.S. policies in perpetuating the adoption industry.

Currier’s review lauds Nolan’s work, stating,

“Nolan’s deeply reported, sobering history… connects Cold War geopolitics, state repression, corruption, poverty, religion, and more.”

This recognition underscores the significance of Nolan’s nuanced exploration of the adoption process and its far-reaching implications and can be accessed in full here.

Nolan’s research stands as a testament to her commitment to uncovering the truth and advocating for justice. It represents a vital contribution to our understanding of this critical issue and underscores the importance of continued efforts towards accountability and reconciliation.

Rachel Nolan is a historian of modern Latin America. Her research focuses on political violence, Central American civil wars, childhood and the family, historical memory, and U.S.-Latin American relations. She is currently completing a book manuscript on the history of international adoption from Guatemala. Read more about Professor Nolan on her faculty profile.