Human Rights in Global Politics
Does the pursuit of human rights promote world peace or generate conflict? In this course we will investigate the status of human rights in global politics. We will examine theoretical arguments about the universality of human rights, the dominance of liberal human rights regimes, and the compatibility of restorative justice and human rights. We will discuss contested cases such as the “Asian Values” critique of human rights, the Responsibility to Protect (against mass atrocities) doctrine, and the work of Truth and Reconciliation commissions. Through the course, students will acquire the skills needed to analyze the impact of human rights on political actors in the international arena. (Not open to students who have completed PSCI 0237)