Tag: Human Rights Promotion

A general in the Chilean army, Pinochet took power in a military coup in 1973. Under Pinochet, approximately 40,000 critics and suspected communists were imprisoned, tortured or killed. Besides political oppression, Pinochet introduced free-market reforms influenced by Milton Friedman. Facing international pressure and a lost referendum, Pinochet handed over power to his democratically elected successor…

In The Hague, the Netherlands, the International Criminal Court prosecutes individuals based on the 2002 Rome Statute. The Rome Statute allows for the prosecution of individuals who committed genocide, crimes of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. In contrast to the International Court of Justice, the ICC is not a UN organ and does…

Post-colonialism investigates how colonial history and narratives continue to influence international relations. Rather than anarchy, hierarchies reminiscent of colonialism are believed to dominate international relations. These hierarchies are reinforced by narratives that portray non-Western countries as fragile, incompetent, and in need of help. Western humanitarian aid often builds upon these narratives, subsequently reinforcing colonial hierarchies.

Feminist international relations theory posits that gender inequalities transcend borders. Consequently, adopting a feminist lens on international relations is merited. In doing so, gender norms are identified and challenged. For example, the focus on states in international relations is the product of a male-dominated state apparatus. Hence, feminist international relations theorists go beyond states, including…

Reigning from 1643 to 1715 as French King, Louis XIV is the longest-reigning monarch in history. During his reign, Louis XIV epitomised the Age of Absolutism. Enlargening his Versailles castle, Louis hosted French nobility and concentrated state power in his hands. His unrestricted rule also made him known as “The Sun King”. In his efforts…

Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organization focused on human rights. It advocates for the protection of human rights, including civil liberties, political freedoms, and social justice. The organisation operates independently and strives to mobilise public support to pressure governments and other entities to uphold human rights standards.

In The Hague, the Netherlands, the International Criminal Court prosecutes individuals based on the 2002 Rome Statute. The Rome Statute allows for the prosecution of individuals who committed genocide, crimes of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. In contrast to the International Court of Justice, the ICC is not a UN organ and does…

Absolutism asserted that by divine right, all power should be centred in the hands of the reigning monarch. To enable absolutism, monarchs relied on a professional standing army and a large bureaucratic apparatus to execute their will. Often, absolutist monarchs showcased their power in lavish palaces like Louis XIV’s Versailles.