1st Edition
Human Rights and Empire The Political Philosophy of Cosmopolitanism
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
Biography
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.
'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
