The History of Human Rights

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Micheline Ishay recounts the dramatic struggle for human rights throughout history, synthesizing developments from the Mesopotamian Codes of Hammurabi to the current era of globalization. She chronicles the clash of social movements, ideas, and armies that have shaped this struggle, illustrating the evolution of human rights through texts, cultural traditions, and creative expression. With verve and extraordinary range, Ishay develops a framework for understanding contemporary issues, including globalization debates, the intervention in Kosovo, and the climate for human rights post-September 11, 2001. This comprehensive history of human rights is essential for anyone invested in the quest for justice and dignity. Ishay organizes her chapters around six core questions that have influenced the human rights debate: What are the origins of human rights? Why did the European vision prevail over others? Has socialism contributed to the legacy of human rights? Are human rights universal or culturally bound? Must they be sacrificed for national security? Is globalization eroding or advancing human rights? In exploring these questions, Ishay incorporates significant documents—writings, speeches, and political statements—from activists, writers, and thinkers throughout history.