http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/351718194

The East Asian challenge for human rights

The position of 'cultural relativism' and 'Asian values' held by certain Asian countries in the human rights debate and the complete rejection of this argument by the west has only contributed to the politicization of the debate. The essays presented in this volume are searching for a middle ground between these two entrenched positions. They aim at going beyond the simple assertions to a conceptual inquiry into the claims made to distinguish an Asian from a western or universal view of human rights. The editors identify the more persuasive contributions by East Asian intellectuals to an evolving international debate on human rights. These scholars have begun to modify their position and are more comprising on the subject. The essays inquire into the following four areas: critical perspectives on the 'Asian values' debate; theoretical proposals for an improved human rights regime with greater input from east Asians; the resources with east Asian cultural traditions that can contribute to human rights in the region; and the key human rights issues facing east Asia as the result of economic change. Part IV of the volume presents case studies that demonstrate the willingness and initiatives taken by east Asian cultures to promote human rights on their own terms.

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