International human rights: explaining commitment and compliance

Inhalte

In recent years the institutionalization of international human rights norms has progressed significantly. States strengthened the monitoring functions of the global human rights regime, established the International Criminal Court, and increasingly accepted human rights treaties.

This course for Master students reviews different theories of commitment and compliance from international law and international relations and discusses their explanatory strengths and weaknesses in light of recent trends on commitment and compliance. We will examine questions such as: Why have governments accepted legal obligations? Which governments are most likely to comply with international human rights law, and why? Under which conditions is human rights law effective?

A basic understanding of the international human rights regime and of the major approaches to international relations is required to successfully participate in class. Students should also be prepared to discuss findings from quantitative and/or qualitative research.

Studiengänge

Master Politikwissenschaft

Master Verwaltungswissenschaft

Master Internationale Beziehungen

Master of Public Managment (Spezialisierung: Global Public Policy)