The Contentious History of the International Bill of Human Rights

Christopher N. J. Roberts is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and an affiliated faculty member of the Department of Sociology. His research spans the areas of human rights, citizenship, social theory, concept formation, and jurisprudence.

• 1. What are human rights and where do they come from?; 2. From war and politics to human rights: the Cold War and colonial recession; 3. Protecting state sovereignty from the 'dangers' of human rights; 4. Saving empire: the attempt to create (non)universal human rights; 5. A version of human rights that permits racial discrimination?; 6. The United States' unequivocal ambivalence towards socioeconomic rights.

'This book is simply splendid. The Contentious History of the International Bill of Human Rights tackles an issue of tremendous importance today and powerfully demonstrates how the legacies of past injustice are still with us, still shaping international law. It is deeply researched, beautifully written, surprising, devastating. It deserves to make a substantial impact among human rights scholars across the disciplines and carries important lessons for human rights activists as well.' Elizabeth S. Anderson, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and John Dewey Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and Women's Studies, University of Michigan