The Persistent Power of Human Rights

This book examines the complexities of human rights, building on previous work to analyze compliance mechanisms and the role of various actors in the global landscape.

In The Persistent Power of Human Rights, the author delves into the complexities of the global human rights landscape, addressing critical questions about the ongoing challenges faced by established democracies. The book explores why certain nations continue to engage in practices like torture, despite their democratic status. By employing a unique blend of qualitative and quantitative research, it aims to engage a diverse audience, including academics, policymakers, and practitioners, in meaningful discussions about human rights norms and their implications.

The narrative builds upon foundational work from The Power of Human Rights, published in 1999, which introduced a 'spiral model' of human rights change. This model illustrated how international norms became internalized within authoritarian regimes during the Cold War. The Persistent Power of Human Rights not only revisits these concepts but also expands the analysis to include a broader spectrum of rights-violating actors, such as democratic and authoritarian Great Powers, corporations, guerrilla groups, and private entities.

By updating our understanding of the causal mechanisms that lead to behavioral compliance, this book offers valuable insights into the dynamics of human rights adherence. It serves as a resource for both scholars and practitioners, providing lessons that can inform policy decisions and foster a deeper understanding of the persistent influence of human rights norms across various contexts.