The Concept of Human Rights: The History and Meaning of Its Politicization

Abstract

This article discusses how the concept of human rights has been configured in international law and diplomacy in the second half of the twentieth century, looking specifically at the priority of political rights, and the secondary role of economic rights. If by "human rights" we mean those rights which are essential or paramount in human life, then this prioritization seems to make little sense. The article suggests that this problematic concept of human rights emerged in this form because it is rooted in two very different (and, in some sense, conflicting) traditions within the history of political philosophy: Just War doctrine, dating back to Augustine; and Enlightenment political thought. The article offers an alternative model of human rights which would offer greater logical coherence, as well as providing a grounding for more consistent and humane human rights policies and enforcement.