In Our Own Best Interest: How Defending Human Rights Benefits Us All - Hardcover

Schulz, William F.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0807002267 ISBN 13: 9780807002261

Publisher: Beacon Pr, 2001

Synopsis

In honor of the group's fortieth anniversary, the director of Amnesty International offers a compelling argument for defending human rights around the world, pointing out the practical benefits to nations who already protect the rights of their own people.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. William F. Schulz is the executive director of Amnesty International (USA). He travels throughout the country and the world to advocate for universal human rights and to investigate and document human rights abuses. Mary Robinson is U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Reviews

Adult/High School-The Executive Director of Amnesty International USA offers a compelling series of arguments for placing inalienable human rights ahead of political, economic, or technological ends when American leaders-and followers-write their agendas for cultural dominance. Positing that access to health care, promotion of fair labor practices, and environmental concerns should inform policy makers working toward democratic primacy, Schulz describes specific human-rights issues and abuses as they are found in many areas of the globe where Americans have business interests. His writing style is casual and often refers to discussions he has had with high school classes in the U.S., making this a highly accessible text for both student researchers and budding political philosophers. An appendix offers directory information according to human-rights issues, including gay rights, environmental causes, and issues specific to U.S. concerns. This book belongs in all collections and could form the basis for a high school forensics or Model UN program.
Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

If any foreign policy primer could be called a page-turner, it is this one by the executive director of Amnesty International USA. What the human rights community needs to do, argues Schulz in this well-written clarion call, is find "the compelling reasons why respect for human rights is in the best interests of the United States." For Schulz, this means convincing "realists" that a moral foreign policy serves a practical end. His case is strongest when arguing for human rights intervention into the cases of whistle-blowers around the world who have been jailed or killed. If these people's warnings about environmental degradation or inefficient control of weapons are not heard, he notes, the entire world, including the United States, could suffer disastrous consequences. Schulz strengthens his case with a punchy writing style "[Liberia's] Charles Taylor is no doubt the only graduate of Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts, who is responsible for the slaughter of tens of thousands of people" and the use of individual examples, some of which are drawn from Schulz's own experience in the human rights community. At times, he lapses into moralizing, which undermines his main argument; nevertheless, Schulz has written a clear and provocative book that should be read by all concerned with human rights and U.S. foreign policy and will draw new supporters among the general public. (Apr. 13) Forecast: As Schulz himself points out, human rights is not a hugely popular issue in the U.S., but his goal is to change that. Beacon is substantially backing this effort: the house has hired an outside publicity firm, and Schulz will undertake a 20-city tour, all of which should pay off.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

It's the old question: Why should I care about violations of human rights in (insert name of Third World country far away from the U.S.)? Schulz, executive director of Amnesty International (USA), strives to move beyond the traditional ethical and legal arguments of human rights advocates to "the language of realpolitik," offering what he hopes readers will find "compelling practical reasons why respect for human rights is in the best interests of the U.S." Describing a wide range of actual international situations, he discusses the impact of respect for human rights on business, the environment, public health, and the capacity to promote democracy and peace. One chapter addresses "The Economic Rewards of Defending Human Rights"; another considers human rights violations (including police misconduct, prison conditions, and the death penalty) within the U.S. Schulz's final chapter summarizes and responds to the primary arguments of foreign policy "realists" who insist that human rights issues have no place in the formulation of the nation's relationships with the rest of the world. Mary Carroll
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Beacon Pr
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0807002267
• ISBN 13: 9780807002261
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 235