Human rights and international relations in the Asia-Pacific region

Abstract

As economic contacts between the West and Asia grow, so does the need to understand the different perspectives each holds on the issue of human rights. This volume contributes to a wider understanding of the issues involved. The questions it tackles are: Can there be a universalist notion of human rights? To what extent have different interpretations of human rights issues created international tension and conflict in the Asia Pacific region, between Western and Asian countries? Can such differences be resolved? At a more practical level it further explores specific questions such as the role of international organisations in international human rights problems, and the best ways of developing dialogues among countries with different human rights standards and political priorities.