About this Book

Even as human rights provide the most widely shared moral language of our time, they also spark highly contested debates among scholars and policymakers. When should states protect human rights? Does the global war on terror necessitate the violation of some rights? Are food, housing, and health care valid human rights? Debating Human Rightsintroduces the theory and practice of international human rights by examining fourteen controversies in the field. Daniel Chong presents the major arguments on both sides of each debate, encouraging readers to think critically and form their own opinions. Designed for classroom use, the structure of the book makes it easy for students to become familiar with the major political and legal actors in the global human rights system and to understand the practical challenges of protecting civil, political, social, and economic rights.
CONTENTS:

• The History and Philosophy of Human Rights.
• THE GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM.
• When Should States Protect Human Rights?
• How Can Western States Promote Human Rights in China?
• Is the United Nations Human Rights Council Effective?
• Does the International Community Have a "Responsibility to Protect"?
• Should the United States Join the International Criminal Court?
• How Should Human Rights Violators Be Held Accountable?
• CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS.
• Does the War on Terrorism Require Restricting of Rights?
• Are There Limits to the Freedom of Speech?
• Do Women Have the Right to Choose Abortion?
• Is Female Circumcision a Violation of Human Rights?
• ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RIGHTS.
• Are Food, Housing, and Health Care Valid Human Rights?
• Do Transnational Corporations Violate Human Rights?
• Do the Right to Health Justify a Violation of Property Rights?
• Do Wealthy States Have an Obligation to Give Foreign Aid?
• CONCLUSION.
• Advancing Human Rights Through Debate.