International Theory
Vol. 13, Issue 3, Pages 574-580
November 2021
Abstract
Kratochwil's critique of rights as a dominant moral theory that cannot avoid ‘hegemonic’ politics appears to be too crude. This article suggests that more theoretical and practical attention to the responsibilities necessary to implement rights could address some of Kratochwil's concerns. The language of political and ethical responsibilities is often missing from the practical action discourse of human rights. The article emphasizes the multitude of potential ‘agents of justice’ and how they can discharge forward-looking responsibilities in open and discretionary ways.
Citation
Sikkink, Kathryn. "Meditating on rights and responsibility: remarks on ‘the limits and burdens of rights’." International Theory 13.3 (November 2021): 574-580.