The Nexus Between International Relations and Human Rights

The Indo-Pacific Studies Center adopts a unique approach to the analysis of issues facing the Indo-Pacific region in the 21st century. It views the study of international relations and human rights as interconnected and integrated, rather than in opposition to each other.

International relations (IR) is the study of how states and other actors interact in the global arena, while human rights are the universal norms and values that protect the dignity and freedom of all people. The relationship between these two fields is complex and multifaceted, as human rights have become an integral part of both the theory and practice of IR.

On the one hand, human rights can be seen as a source of cooperation and conflict in IR, as states and other actors pursue different interests and ideologies regarding the promotion and protection of human rights. Human rights can also be used as a tool of diplomacy, persuasion, coercion, pressure, or intervention by states and non-state actors, such as international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or human rights activists. Human rights can also be a criterion for evaluating the legitimacy and effectiveness of different actors and policies in IR, such as democracy, development, security, or humanitarianism.

On the other hand, human rights can be seen as a product of IR, as the international system shapes the development and implementation of human rights norms and institutions. Human rights are not static or universal, but rather dynamic and contested, as they reflect the changing power relations and values of different actors in IR. Human rights are also not guaranteed or automatic, but rather dependent on the political will and capacity of different actors to uphold and enforce them. Human rights are also not isolated or independent, but rather interrelated and interdependent with other issues and challenges in IR, such as poverty, inequality, violence, or environmental degradation.

Therefore, the relationship between IR and human rights is not one of separation or opposition, but rather one of interaction and integration. Studying this relationship can help us understand the opportunities and challenges for advancing human rights in a complex and changing world.