CFR.org - Democracy and Human Rights

Human Rights in Iran

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:42:34 -0400

Global monitors say Iran's human rights situation is poor and unlikely to improve amid a climate of political uncertainty and growing external pressures. But activists urge continued international scrutiny of Iran's violations.

Why did the United States reestablish diplomatic relations with communist states like China and Vietnam?

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:42:23 -0400

The United States did not have diplomatic relations with mainland China in the late 1940s after the communist takeover (though theoretically it maintained diplomatic relations through ties with Taiwan). The United States ended diplomatic relations with Vietnam following the Vietnam War in 1975.

Is there any hope for political change in China?

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:40:39 -0400

Political change is happening all the time in China, though the government is not leading the charge. Rather, the Chinese people are advancing political change through advocacy by nongovernmental organizations, communication via the Internet, and political protest.

It Will Take More Than Two Candidates to Change Iran

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:10:00 -0400

Ray Takeyh writes about Iran's upcoming election.

UN General Assembly Resolution A /67/L.63: "The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic"

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:40:12 -0400

The UN General Assembly approved, by a vote of 107-12 with 59 abstentions, the resolution on May 15, 2013, which supports political transition in Syria through the establishment of the Syrian National Coalition.

Three Priorities for Pakistan's New Government

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:54:30 -0400

Daniel Markey outlines three priorities for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan as he comes in to his third non-consecutive term.

Pakistan's Elections: Three Things to Know

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:33:26 -0400

As former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif looks poised to win nationwide elections, CFR's Daniel Markey highlights the vote's significance for Pakistan's democracy and foreign relations.

Investment Treaties: Winners and Losers

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:05:26 -0400

Jose Alvarez, Herbert and Rose Rubin professor of international law at New York University School of Law, discusses the growth and distributional effects and the human rights implications of global economic governance through bilateral investment treaties, with a focus on the global south.

Realizing Democracy: Lessons from Thailand and Indonesia

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:26:53 -0400

Isobel Coleman hosts Joshua Kurlantzick, Fellow for Southeast Asia, Council on Foreign Relations, for a discussion about the political and economic transition of Thailand and Indonesia as part of a Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy Initiative series on Realizing Democracy: Lessons from Transitioning Countries.

Viewpoints: The Impact of Elections in Pakistan

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:47:54 -0400

Daniel Markey argues that the newly elected Pakistani prime minister's core agenda, "economic reform and improved ties with India—is one the United States should cheer."

Foreign Affairs Media Call: Husain Haqqani on Elections in Pakistan

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:37:39 -0400

Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan ambassador to the United States, discusses the historic elections in Pakistan and their impact on U.S. foreign policy with Foreign Affairs Editor Gideon Rose.

Online Debate: The Civil-Military Equation in Pakistan

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:38:38 -0400

In the run-up to Pakistan's elections, Daniel Markey debates Ambassador Neelam Deo on the relationship between civilian and military power in Pakistan.

Is it part of the U.S. anti-drug policy to sell weapons to Mexico to combat drug cartels?

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:55:25 -0400

Under the security cooperation agreement called the Merida Initiative, the United States provides military and law enforcement assistance to the Mexican government in support of efforts to combat drug cartels and organized crime. The United States and Mexico jointly developed this agreement in response to a substantial increase in drug-related criminal activity and violence on both sides of the border.

The Angst in Foggy Bottom

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:20:12 -0400

In light of recent reports of chemical weapons being used against Syrian civilians, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon highlights frustrations felt by some State Department employees at the lack of response from the White House.

Democratic Platitudes Will Not Reverse Myanmar's Spiral

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:21:12 -0400

Joshua Kurlantzick says more is needed from Myanmar president U Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to foster tolerance and and reconciliation in the ethnically divided country.

Afghanistan's Looming Security Test

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:52:14 -0400

Afghan forces are performing well so far amid the pullback of U.S. troops, but this summer's fighting season will offer proof of their capabilities, says CFR's Stephen Biddle.

Boston Consequences

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:11:38 -0400

Julia Sweig reflects on implications of the Boston Marathon bombings in the midst of debates on gun control and immigration reform.

Realizing Democracy: Lessons from South Africa and Nigeria

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:02:37 -0400

Isobel Coleman hosts John Campbell, former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, for a discussion about the political and economic transitions of South Africa and Nigeria as part of a Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy Initiative series on Realizing Democracy: Lessons from Transitioning Countries.

Bolívar's Botched Bequest

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:25:50 -0400

The Venezuelan revolutionary Simon Bolívar has a remarkably elastic legacy. Ever since his death in 1830, Latin American politicians across the political spectrum have claimed to be his rightful heir. What Bolívar left behind, it turns out, was less a coherent set of ideas than an abstract vision of Latin American unity -- a vision that remains impossible today.

U.S. State Department: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

These reports, mandated by Congress in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Trade Act of 1974, describe the performance of other governments in practicing their international commitments on civil, political, individual, and worker rights, as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UN and the Chinese government produce similar reports.

Project Syndicate: Populism Without the People

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:48:12 -0400

Calls for more popular participation are not essential to populism; rather, they are a symptom of perceived exclusion (which might well be a reality, especially in Latin America). But cries for political inclusion are different from demands for direct democracy. Where direct democracy is very much a part of normal politics – in Switzerland, for example – populist parties have been doing better, not worse, than elsewhere.

Issue Guide: Venezuela's Challenging Next Chapter

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:04:25 -0400

Venezuela's next leader must confront rampant crime, economic distortions, and political divisions. This Issue Guide provides background and analysis on Sunday's election and the post-Chávez era.

Jesus Christ vs. Change in Venezuela

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:00:51 -0400

Julia Sweig looks at Venezuela's upcoming presidential election through the lens of advertisements.

Economic and Democratic Transitions: Lessons Learned

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:48 -0400

Isobel Coleman, CFR's senior fellow and director of the Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy initiative, discusses transitions to democracy and market economies, as part of CFR's Academic Conference Call series.

Myanmar's Alarming Civil Unrest

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:23:37 -0400

Myanmar's emergence from military rule has also spawned some of the worst ethnic and religious violence in decades and fear of prolonged civil conflict, writes CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick.

Women's Empowerment and the Path to Democracy in the New Middle East

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:27:47 -0400

Reza Aslan discusses the connection between women's empowerment and economics, as part of the Council on Foreign Relations' roundtable series on religion and the Middle East.

This meeting was cosponsored by the Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy Initative.

The Hillary Doctrine: Women's Rights Are a National Security Issue

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:20:55 -0400

After former secretary of state Hillary Clinton's speech on April 5, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon observes, "the Clinton megaphone no longer requires a Washington translator."

Don’t Blame the Brands

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:15:39 -0400

Jagdish Bhagwati and Amrita Narlikar write that the only way to ensure safe working environments is to make them "legislated and pursued with zeal."

Media Conference Call: Ryan Crocker and Daniel Markey on Pakistani Elections

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:00:01 -0400

Former U.S. ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker and CFR Senior Fellow Daniel Markey discuss the upcoming elections in Pakistan and the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations.

"The Gringos Are with Us"

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:23:42 -0400

Elliott Abrams provides his insight as former secretary of state for Latin America and reviews the Chilean film, "NO," which is set during the Pinochet presidency.