Global Good Samaritans: Human Rights as Foreign Policy

by Alison Brysk

In a troubled world where millions die at the hands of their own governments and societies, some states risk their citizens' lives, considerable portions of their national budgets, and repercussions from opposing states to protect helpless foreigners. Dozens of Canadian peacekeepers have died in Afghanistan defending humanitarian reconstruction in a shattered faraway land with no ties to their own. Each year, Sweden contributes over $3 billion to aid the world's poorest citizens and struggling democracies, asking nothing in return. And, a generation ago, Costa Rica defied U.S. power to broker a peace accord that ended civil wars in three neighboring countries--and has now joined with principled peers like South Africa to support the United Nations' International Criminal Court, despite U.S. pressure and aid cuts. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are alive today because they have been sheltered by one of these nations.

Global Good Samaritans looks at the reasons why and how some states promote human rights internationally, arguing that humanitarian internationalism is more than episodic altruism--it is a pattern of persistent principled politics. Human rights as a principled foreign policy defies the realist prediction of untrammeled pursuit of national interest, and suggests the utility of constructivist approaches that investigate the role of ideas, identities, and influences on state action. Brysk shows how a diverse set of democratic middle powers, inspired by visionary leaders and strong civil societies, came to see the linkage between their long-term interest and the common good. She concludes that state promotion of global human rights may be an option for many more members of the international community and that the international human rights regime can be strengthened at the interstate level, alongside social movement campaigns and the struggle for the democratization of global governance.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published February 17, 2009

Reviews

[Brian Hilliker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unnecessarily dense for what it is trying to achieve. It does a great job analyzing the statistical ways countries provide for the world. However, these stats quickly become outdated, and the content is heavily tied to a specific set of metrics which ignore the importance of NGO involvement and charitable contributions. Also, the UN is taken to be the main driver of how countries support human rights policy. I enjoyed the books case studies, and I did appreciate each countries approach to refugee policy. This does seem to correlate well with a countries true intentions to support those in need. Ultimately, this is not staying on my shelf due to its tendency to be too dated. An updated version would be helpful!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on a great subject: human rights in foreign policy. A must-read for anyone interested in foreign affairs. For example, do you know what country is considered the "golden standard" for human rights in foreign policy? Sweden. And who would you never expect to be one of the top countries in the world in human rights leadership? Costa Rica. These countries and others are presented in well researched, and data-driven, case studies. Loved the book and loved the subject.