Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Are human rights a form of imperialism?
Position1 of 2›

Yes, human rights are a form of imperialism

This position holds that the human rights framework carries a particular cultural outlook presented as universal. On this view its priorities, and the power to enforce it, reflect where it was written, so it operates as imperialism in a newer idiom.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. The framework's content reflects where it was written, and is then presented as universal
  2. Rights talk is enforced selectively by powerful states, which is what makes it an instrument