Human Rights and Empire
The Political Philosophy of Cosmopolitanism
1st Edition
Published on 22. March 2007
Book
Hardback
334 pages
978-0-415-42758-6 (ISBN)
Description
Erudite and timely, this book is a key contribution to the renewal of radical theory and politics. Addressing the paradox of a contemporary humanitarianism that has abandoned politics in favour of combating evil, Douzinas, a leading scholar and author in the field of human rights and legal theory, considers the most pressing international questions.
Asking whether there 'is an intrinsic relationship between human rights and the recent wars carried out in their name?' and whether 'human rights are a barrier against domination and oppression or the ideological gloss of an emerging empire?' this book examines a range of topics, including:
the normative characteristics, political philosophy and metaphysical foundations of our age
the subjective and institutional aspects of human rights and their involvement in the creation of identity and definition of the meaning and powers of humanity
the use of human rights as a justification for a new configuration of political, economic and military power.
Exploring the legacy and the contemporary role of human rights, this topical and incisive book is a must for all those interested in human rights law, jurisprudence and philosophy of law, political philosophy and political theory.
Asking whether there 'is an intrinsic relationship between human rights and the recent wars carried out in their name?' and whether 'human rights are a barrier against domination and oppression or the ideological gloss of an emerging empire?' this book examines a range of topics, including:
the normative characteristics, political philosophy and metaphysical foundations of our age
the subjective and institutional aspects of human rights and their involvement in the creation of identity and definition of the meaning and powers of humanity
the use of human rights as a justification for a new configuration of political, economic and military power.
Exploring the legacy and the contemporary role of human rights, this topical and incisive book is a must for all those interested in human rights law, jurisprudence and philosophy of law, political philosophy and political theory.
Reviews / Votes
'A key contribution to the renewal of not only radical theory, but also radical politics' - Slavoj Zizek'A truly compelling argument ... one of the most original contributions to the question of the moral and legal status of human rights' - Drucilla Cornell
'beautiful and clearly written... the author's combination of erudition, passion and lively style makes the work a contantly fascinating read. ...a worthwhile introduction to the history of political philosophy.' - Cardozo Law Review, March 2008 'A key contribution to the renewal of not only radical theory, but also radical politics' - Slavoj Zizek
'A truly compelling argument ... one of the most original contributions to the question of the moral and legal status of human rights' - Drucilla Cornell
'beautiful and clearly written... the author's combination of erudition, passion and lively style makes the work a contantly fascinating read. ...a worthwhile introduction to the history of political philosophy.' - Cardozo Law Review, March 2008
'Human Rights and Empire represents a valuable and interesting contribution to political and legal theory. The author's position is unique insofar as he is at once a virulent critic of human rights and one of its most ardent supporters. Whereas there is no shortage of literature on the many failures and hypocrisies of human rights, Human Rights and Empire makes a real and positive contribution by avoiding the trap of seeking solutions by tinkering around the edges. Furthermore, the innovative perspective of the author is brought to life through the vibrancy and colourfulness of his language-infused with passion, frustration, personal experience and humour throughout.' - Thomas Goldup, King's College London, King's Law Journal (20.3) 2009
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Postgraduate
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
669 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-415-42758-6 (9780415427586)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
03/2007
1st Edition
Routledge Cavendish
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E-Book
03/2007
1st Edition
Routledge Cavendish
€78.99
Available for download
E-Book
03/2007
1st Edition
Routledge Cavendish
€78.99
Available for download
Person
Costas Douzinas is Professor of Law at Birkbeck College, London and Dean of the Faculty of Arts. He is the author of numerous books on legal theory and human rights.
Content
Part 1: The Paradoxes of Human Rights 1. The End of Human Rights? 2. Identity, Desire, Rights 3. The Many Faces of Humanitarianism 4. The Politics of Human Rights 5. Freedom in a Biopolitical Setting Part 2: The Normative Sources of the New World Order 6. Empire or Cosmopolitanism? 7. Cosmopolitanism Ancient, Modern, Postmodern 8. Human Rights: Values in a Valueless World 9. The Brief Glory and the Long Crisis of International Law 10. War, Violence, Law 11. Bare, Theological and Cosmopolitan Sovereignty 12. Postscript: The Cosmopolitanism to Come