Human Rights and Empire

’A key contribution to the renewal of not only radical theory, but also radical politics’

– Slavoj Zizek

’A truly compelling argument ... one of the most original contributions to the question of the moral and legal status of human rights’

– Drucilla Cornell

’beautiful and clearly written... the author’s combination of erudition, passion and lively style makes the work a constantly fascinating read. ...a worthwhile introduction to the history of political philosophy.’

– Cardozo Law Review, March 2008

Erudite and timely, this book is a key contribution to the renewal of radical theory and politics.

Asking whether there ‘is an intrinsic relationship between human rights and the recent wars carried out in their name?’ and whether ‘human rights are a barrier against domination and oppression or the ideological gloss of an emerging empire?’ this book examines a range of topics, including:

• the normative characteristics, political philosophy and metaphysical foundations of our age
• the subjective and institutional aspects of human rights and their involvement in the creation of identity and definition of the meaning and powers of humanity
• the use of human rights as a justification for a new configuration of political, economic and military power.

Exploring the legacy and the contemporary role of human rights, this topical and incisive book is a must for all those interested in human rights law, jurisprudence and philosophy of law, political philosophy and political theory.