The Liberal Project and Human Rights: The Theory and Practice of a New World Order

Description

The 'Liberal Project' aims to transform society in accordance with liberal values and practices. This volume argues that the United Nations regime on human rights is an attempt to realise this project on an international level. The authors provide an engaging theoretical and historical context for this argument, defining the concept of liberalism, its origins and evolution, and identify it as a universal value that constitutes the very essence of the international human rights regime. The book explores the possibility of a cross-cultural consensus on the issue being reached, but problems of sovereignty and nationalism are also discussed as potential obstacles to the Liberal Project's completion. This penetrating and insightful work will appeal to a wide range of scholars and students interested in liberalism and human rights from the fields of international relations, law, political theory and political philosophy.

John Charvet is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics. Elisa Kaczynska-Nay is a lawyer and researcher, working on issues of economic development and international law.

'This is an exceptionally valuable book. It combines an admirably clear and well written analysis of the theory and practice of international society with a rigorous examination and defence of the underlying philosophy on which it rests. The result is tough-minded liberal theory at its very best.' Professor James Mayall, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge 'Liberalism, assailed from all sides in the great political and legal debates of our time, is defended staunchly and deftly in this expansive and sensitive book. Charvet and Nay combine their talents to produce a meticulous account of a human rights order embedded in the political practice of liberalism.' Professor Gerry Simpson, London School of Economics 'This book provides a sustained and comprehensive defence of liberal thought and practice in contemporary international affairs. It bridges the divide between the abstract work of political philosophers and the technical tomes of international lawyers ... Particularly impressive are the discussions of the standard criticisms that are made by contemporary opponents of liberal theory and practice' Professor Mervyn Frost, King's College London