History of Internationalism and Human Rights

Catalog description

A course in intellectual history that considers the history behind the idea of human rights in the modern world. Explores how historical ideas about universalism and human nature from the 18th century forward led to challenges to the nation-state system as the dominant model of international society. Subjects include abolitionist movements, anti-imperialism, self-determination, and humanitarian agencies, with special emphasis on the League of Nations, United Nations, and the challenges that human rights pose to questions of national sovereignty.