Overview

Presents a defence of the traditional theory of international law -- based on a decentralised nation-state system of international relations -- as being more appropriate for the analysis of its subject than more recent variants that allow for supranational redress at an increasingly personal level. In particular, Professor Watson shows how the proponents of the international human rights regime persistently use a legislative mode of reasoning, and how international law cannot sustain this technique. He holds that violation of the right to life is best adjudicated within a customary system, and concludes that the validity of the norms of international human rights has yet to be demonstrated.

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9781571050977

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For many years proponents of human rights have tried to convince statesmen that the moral imperatives that underlie the concept of human rights require enforcement by international legal order. But statesmen of sound moral convictions and humanitarian bent seem more inclined to use polemics to condemn the trespasses of others than to support the international institutions that might really transfer the moral imperatives into law. In this book, Professor Watson clearly and forcefully explains why. Alfred P. Rubin, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy

For many years proponents of “human rights” have tried to convince statesmen that the moral imperatives that underlie the concept of “human rights” require enforcement by international legal order. But statesmen of sound moral convictions and humanitarian bent seem more inclined to use polemics to condemn the trespasses of others than to support the international institutions that might really transfer the moral imperatives into “law.” In this book, Professor Watson clearly and forcefully explains why. Alfred P. Rubin, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy

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J Shand Watson

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