Improving Human Rights

This book is based on an in-depth, filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Emilie Hafner-Burton, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of International Justice and Human Rights at UC San Diego and co-director of the Laboratory on International Law and Regulation at the School. This extensive conversation covers topics such international law, when and why international laws work and don’t work, the international human rights system and concrete measures that could be taken to improve it, the International Criminal Court, and the role of states in the protection of human rights.


This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Making a Difference, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:


Forging a Path - An unconventional route to the UN

Shifting Perspectives - Considering the data

Who Decides? - The perils of implementation

Going Public - Towards an open exchange

Fundamental Questions - Incentives and justifications

The International Criminal Court - Past present and future

Norm Saturation - Beyond rules and procedures

Reform - Marginal and non-marginal changes

Getting Concrete - Towards meaningful progress

Stewardship - How states can have a positive impact

Reactions and Responses - Examining opposing views

Public Engagement - Media bias and joint opportunities



About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: 


This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.