The book offers a comprehensive analysis of over 300 films that address human rights issues, demonstrating how cinema can deepen our understanding and awareness of these critical topics. It explores the intersection of film and human rights, highlighting the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and fostering empathy. Through a wide-ranging exploration, it examines various genres and narratives, showcasing the role of film as a tool for advocacy and education in the realm of human rights.
The book critically examines the contradictions in American foreign policy, highlighting ethical lapses that have emerged despite the nation's self-image as a moral leader. Mark Gibney explores various issues, including the actions of multinational corporations, the first Persian Gulf War, and the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay. He argues that the U.S. often engages in "easy ethics" while neglecting deeper international obligations, revealing how this disconnect is increasingly recognized on a global scale and poses significant consequences for America's ethical standing.
This clear and compelling book challenges the reader to rethink the entire basis for human rights, providing a vastly different vision of a way forward out of our current quagmire. Mark Gibney persuasively advocates for a much broader reading of the law on state responsibility, arguing that current law misses most of the ways in which states fail to protect human rights. He also challenges the notion adopted by all states that human rights obligations extend no farther than their own territorial borders by critiquing cases from the U.S. Supreme Court, the International Court of Justice, and the European Court of Human Rights. Finally, the author takes up the issue of human rights enforcement. Under the current system, the state that carries out human rights violations is expected to enforce this law against itself! Decades of sweeping human rights violations have shown that this system of protection simply cannot work. Calling for other measures to provide victims the 'effective remedy' that international human rights law promises, Gibney sets forth a series of practical steps that would profoundly change the nature of human rights protection.
Engaging students through an innovative approach, this book revitalizes the study of international law by moving beyond traditional textbook methods. It emphasizes interactive learning, encouraging deeper understanding and participation in the subject matter, making it a compelling resource for those looking to explore international law in a more dynamic and involved manner.
The book explores the growing willingness of US courts to hear cases from individuals lacking government sponsorship, highlighting the implications of this shift in jurisdiction. It delves into the challenges of enforcing court decisions and examines the tension between human rights and state sovereignty. By analyzing these dynamics, the author sheds light on the evolving landscape of international law and the role of US courts in championing human rights.
