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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Reconciling Liberalism And Judaism? Human Rights In Israel, Raphael Cohen-Almagor
Reconciling Liberalism And Judaism? Human Rights In Israel, Raphael Cohen-Almagor
raphael cohen-almagor
This essay argues that mixing religion in politics is problematic. It becomes destructive when the religion is unyielding and coercive. Whenever religious powers are on the rise, the foundations of liberal democracy are shaken and its protective mechanisms are regressing. Indeed, in Israel egalitarianism is still in the making. Orthodox Judaism and liberal democracy are in conflict. The rise of one comes at the expense of the other in a situation where religion does not encompass the concept of freedom from religion. This essay further argues that Palestinians and Israelis are entitled to the same rights and liberties. Accommodations and …
Policy Briefing: Addressing Migrant Bodies On Europe’S Southern Frontier. An Agenda For Research And Practice, Simon Robins, Iosif Kovras, Anna Vallianatou
Policy Briefing: Addressing Migrant Bodies On Europe’S Southern Frontier. An Agenda For Research And Practice, Simon Robins, Iosif Kovras, Anna Vallianatou
Iosif Kovras
In recent years thousands of undocumented migrants have died in shipwrecks at the coasts of Greece, Spain and Italy in their effort to enter the EU. This brief draws on field research on the Greek island of Lesbos, one of the key entry points of migrants to the EU that has seen repeated incidents of deadly shipwrecks. The note underlines the gaps and flaws in the policies pursued by local, national and EU authorities. Research shows that although several local agencies engage with the problem, none assumes responsibility. It reveals the absence of any provision for identification of victims or …
Smart Power For Hard Problems: The Role Of Special Operation Forces Strengthening The Rule Of Law And Human Rights In Africa, Kevin H. Govern
Smart Power For Hard Problems: The Role Of Special Operation Forces Strengthening The Rule Of Law And Human Rights In Africa, Kevin H. Govern
Kevin H. Govern
This article will assess the roles and responsibilities of Special Operations Forces (SOF) within the newly created U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) as an active proponent of a so-called “smart power” national security strategy. In particular, it will outline the economic, political, and military challenges faced in Africa; specifically, how and why SOCAFRICA is the U.S. force of choice for promoting human rights and rule of law in Africa. With the goals of the U.S. military in mind, questions will necessarily arise as to “what success looks like” for both the U.S. and African nations, and the roles of each in …
Migration And Disaster-Induced Displacement: European Policy, Practice, And Perspective, Michael D. Cooper
Migration And Disaster-Induced Displacement: European Policy, Practice, And Perspective, Michael D. Cooper
Michael D. Cooper, Esq.
Over the last decade, a series of devastating natural disasters have killed hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions, and decimated the built environment across wide regions, shocking the public imagination and garnering unprecedented financial support for humanitarian relief efforts. Some suggest that disaster migration must be supported by the international community, first as an adaption strategy in response to climate-change, and second, as a matter of international protection. This study surveys the current state of law as it relates to persons displaced by natural disaster, with a specific focus on the 27 member states of the European Union plus …
Radiography To The Chilean Human Rights Institution: Between Law And Politics, Sergio Verdugo Sverdugor@Udd.Cl, José Francisco Garía
Radiography To The Chilean Human Rights Institution: Between Law And Politics, Sergio Verdugo Sverdugor@Udd.Cl, José Francisco Garía
Sergio Verdugo R.
The article examines the fundamental recommendations for the national human rights institutions (NHRI) to function with proper autonomy against the state and, also, against NGOs that try to capture the commission´s agenda. The authors analyse the institutional design of the Chilean Human Rights Institution (INDH) and evaluates the profile and the nomination process of its membership. The paper provides evidence that demonstrates that the INDH´s research agenda is associated with a partial political view. Then, the authors suggest certain changes to strengthen the independence of the INDH.
Radiografía Al Sistema Interamericano De Dd.Hh., Sergio Verdugo Sverdugor@Udd.Cl, José Francisco García
Radiografía Al Sistema Interamericano De Dd.Hh., Sergio Verdugo Sverdugor@Udd.Cl, José Francisco García
Sergio Verdugo R.
Se realiza un análisis crítico al sistema interamericano de DD.HH. Se examina el diseño institucional y los equilibrios políticos existentes al interior de las instituciones más importantes de dicho sistema: la Comisión y la Corte Interamericanas. Se aporta evidencia acerca del funcionamiento de dichas instituciones y se constatan bajos niveles de accountability y de independencia de los jueces.
The Arab Spring And The Illusion Of A Pragmatic Approach To Foreign Policy, Gabriel C. Lajeunesse
The Arab Spring And The Illusion Of A Pragmatic Approach To Foreign Policy, Gabriel C. Lajeunesse
Gabriel C. Lajeunesse
If we continue to pursue "pragmatic" approaches in the moment, rather than truly pragmatic approaches that are loyal to our core values, we will find ourselves committed to handling crisis after crisis with far greater cost in blood and treasure.
Written Statement Submitted To Senate Judiciary Subcommittee On The Constitution, Civil Society And Human Rights “Protecting The Civil Rights Of American Muslims”, Muqtedar Khan
Muqtedar Khan
This testimony describes the nature of the new Islamophobia on the rise in the US.
Liberalism, Tolerance And Multiculturalism: The Bounds Of Liberal Intervention In Affairs Of Minority Cultures, Raphael Cohen-Almagor, Marco Zambotti
Liberalism, Tolerance And Multiculturalism: The Bounds Of Liberal Intervention In Affairs Of Minority Cultures, Raphael Cohen-Almagor, Marco Zambotti
raphael cohen-almagor
One of the most pressing issues facing liberal democracies today is the politicization of ethno-cultural diversity. Minority cultures are demanding greater public recognition of their distinctive identities, and greater freedom and opportunity to retain and develop their distinctive cultural practices. In response to these demands, new and creative mechanisms are being adopted in many countries for accommodating difference. This paper discusses some of the issues raised by these demands, focusing in particular on the difficulties that arise when the minority seeking accommodation is illiberal. It is increasingly accepted that common citizenship rights are not sufficient to accommodate all forms of …
Law's Autonomy, Ashok Agrwaal
Law's Autonomy, Ashok Agrwaal
Ashok Agrwaal
Like entropy, autonomy exists. As such, the existence of autonomy does not need any law or laws, beyond itself and its nature. Autonomy can, therefore, be said to be an "original" state of human kind; or at least of the individual. Law, which is frequently seen as preserving/ maximising/ conferring autonomy is actually a device to usurp autonomy. The paper looks at a specific example of how the nation-state, the most powerful usurper of autonomies created till date, arrogates autonomy to itself, in the name of ‘public interest’. Needless to say, in the hands of the state, autonomy translates into …
Bandipora Redux: A Tale From Two Insurgencies, Ashok Agrwaal
Bandipora Redux: A Tale From Two Insurgencies, Ashok Agrwaal
Ashok Agrwaal
This artixcle is based upon my work on State impunity in the context of the guaranteed right to life, in Punjab and Kashmir. The Indian state has fought insurgencies almost throughout its independent history: from Nagaland to Punjab, Andhra Pradesh to Kashmir, from the early 1950s to date. Among the many different kinds of human rights violations that the Indian security forces have been charged with, is the recurring charge that they force local people to act as 'human shields' \with a view to minimising uniformed casualties. These reports have been denied by the authorities who routinely provide other reasons, …
The Scope Of Tolerance And Its Moral Reasoning, Raphael Cohen-Almagor
The Scope Of Tolerance And Its Moral Reasoning, Raphael Cohen-Almagor
raphael cohen-almagor
This essay aims to consider the scope of tolerance and its moral reasoning. I first discuss the reluctance of prominent philosophers to prescribe boundaries to liberty and tolerance. I then focus attention on Rawls’ discussion on tolerance, which I find quite disappointing, yet argue that his line of reasoning on the question of tolerating the intolerant contributed to the very fashionable consequentialist approach. After criticizing the consequentialist reasoning I introduce an alternative approach: the principled reasoning. I explain that much of the liberal reasoning is inspired by the fear of sliding down the slippery slope, and finally turn to discuss …
The Islamic State And Religious Minorities, Muqtedar Khan
The Islamic State And Religious Minorities, Muqtedar Khan
Muqtedar Khan
This article explores the challenge religious minorities present to an Islamic State in the light of modern values of democracy and human rights.
The Limits Of Cultural Pluralism: An Israeli Perspective, Raphael Cohen-Almagor
The Limits Of Cultural Pluralism: An Israeli Perspective, Raphael Cohen-Almagor
raphael cohen-almagor
The primary aims of this paper are (a) to examine the importance of cultural norms and what part they play in requiring us to tolerate others out of respect, and (b) to formulate some guidelines designed to prescribe boundaries to liberty and tolerance conducive to safeguard the rights of individuals and, in turn, democracy. I argue that a liberal democracy can interfere in the business of its sub-cultures when some cultural norms subvert the basic principles upon which a liberal society is founded. Here I address, inter alia, the issues of female circumcision, murder for family honour, and blood feuds. …
The Birth Of The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights, Michael Cooper
The Birth Of The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights, Michael Cooper
Michael D. Cooper, Esq.
This short article, written for an audience of U.S. based social science teachers, reviews the historical circumstances surrounding the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the United Nations General Assembly adopted on December 10, 1948. The narrative focuses attention on the negotiating process and, in particular, Eleanor Roosevelt’s role as Chair of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, which drafted the landmark document.