Does The Controversy Surrounding The Imposition Of Western Human Rights Values On Non-Western Traditions Constitute A Form Of Imperialism
The objective of this paper is to further explore the concept of human rights. A particular focus will be placed on the question of whether or not the imposition of western human rights values on non-western traditions constitutes a form of imperialism. In other words, can, or better yet should, human rights be on the political agenda in the international arena? Are there really such things as inalienable human rights that should be applied universally, or is it simply rhetoric that can be used as a guise to advance western political and economic interests? At the root of the issue, it seems is the issue of what should weigh more, human rights or state sovereignty. In the end, of course, there is no definitive answer to this question. What it can, and will, do, however, is look at the dynamics of human rights in the international arena and comment on whether western rhetoric on human rights is in the sphere of imperialism, or neo-imperialism.19 pgs. 18 f/c. 14b.
