The divide between the West and Southeast Asia seems to be nowhere more apparent than in debates about human rights. Within these diverse geographical, political and cultural climates, human rights seem to have become relative, and the quest for absolutes seems unattainable. In this new book Philip J Eldridge seeks to question this stalemate. He argues that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' inclusion in United Nations' human rights treaties could be the common ground that bridges the gap between East and West. Eldridge uses topical case studies and primary research from Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor and Australia, to compare the effectiveness of United Nations' human rights directives on local democracies. This study presents insightful research into a hotly debated topic. As such it will be a thought-provoking resource for students of human rights, politics and international relations.
Biography
Philip J Eldridge is Honorary Associate at the School of Government, Univeristy of Tasmania
'Unique in its focused examination of human rights in the South-east Asian setting taking us well beyond stale assessments of Asian values. ... comprehensive and highly informative' - Asian Studies Review
'The strength of the book lies in the depth and breadth of its author's knowledge of the region. He is steeped in its history and politics and he knows all the key players.' - Global Change
