Committed to Rights: Volume 1

Audrey L. Comstock is an Assistant Professor of Political Science in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on international law, human rights, and international organizations, including the punishment of peacekeepers accused of sexual exploitation and abuse of civilians.

• 1. Introduction; 2. On ratification: rethinking a ratification-centered approach to international law; 3. Legal paths for human rights treaty commitment and compliance; 4. Signature: a first step in a two-step commitment process; 5. Accession: late commitment and treaty negotiations; 6. Succession: new states, old laws, and legitimacy; 7. Conclusion.

'In this important study, Professor Comstock argues that understanding the different legal pathways to treaty commitment also sheds crucial light on compliance. Through this well-justified, more nuanced, approach, the author uncovers new evidence that international human rights law can - under the right social and legal conditions - matter for the protection of civil liberties and women's rights.' Jana von Stein, Associate Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, The Australian National University