China in International Human Rights Regi

This seminar will examine the causes of human rights violations and explore how external forces can address them, with a specific focus on China. I will contextualize China within the international community, which plays a defining, framing, and exercising role in one of the core liberal norms, human rights. Consequently, this seminar will encompass a comprehensive survey of broader themes within the international human rights regime. It will also involve a critical assessment of China's role in shaping this regime, in comparison with other key actors in various regions throughout history to the present day. Throughout the course, students will be expected to critically evaluate the assigned readings, actively engage in discussions on contemporary human rights issues, and gain research experience in presenting and writing their final projects. By the end of this seminar, students will have developed a deeper understanding of the intricate landscape of human rights and the influence of external forces, particularly China, in shaping this crucial global discourse