OADH 4050 - Human Rights in International Politics

This course will examine the way that human rights principles intersect with the complex reality of contemporary international politics. It will explore a series of issues and controversies that have been prominent in international relations in recent years, analysing them both in terms of human rights and the policy calculations of state actors.

The course is designed to give students a feel for the factors that shape official decision-making and that need to be taken into account for effective advocacy. The aim is to look at a series of interconnected topics that together will add up to a composite picture of the current scope for advancing human rights through global politics. Topics considered will include: the place of human rights in EU and US foreign policy; European and US responses to international terrorism; the politics of international justice; the resurgence of authoritarianism and the challenge to international rights posed by China, Russia and other rising powers; support for democracy and human rights in North Africa following the 2011 Arab uprisings; intervention and non-intervention (Libya & Syria); human rights in the UN system; the use of sanctions against human rights violators; the rise of populist-nationalist parties in Western democracies; migration; the place of economic and social rights in international politics; and human rights in cyberspace.

The course will build towards an analysis of the way in which changes in the international system shape and constrain efforts to uphold human rights overseas, and how supporters of human rights can best adapt to the current international order.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the way that international politics affects the support and promotion of human rights.
• Knowledge of new developments and current controversies affecting the global context for human rights.
• Ability to think critically about the interplay between human rights principles and the circumstances in which they are applied.
• Experience in formulating strategies to advance human rights in the contemporary world, including through drafting a policy brief.

Professional Skills:

• Research and analysis
• Critical thinking
• Understanding stakeholders
• Written and oral communication

Comments on the policy memos and final papers will be given to students in writing after submission.

Students taking the course will be required to submit a policy memo of 1,000-1,500 words (topic chosen from a selection proposed by the teacher) half-way through the course which will account for 30% of the final grade.

A final paper of 3,500 words on a topic chosen by students but relating to one of the areas covered in the course will be due one week after the final class and will account for 60% of the final grade..

During discussion each week, students will be asked to comment on particular assigned readings as well as respond to discussion questions introduced by the teacher either through speaking or through the online chat function – class participation will account for 10% of the grade. .