Hichem Karoui's "Diplomacy and Human Rights: Building Bridges in a Changing World" represents the second volume in the critically acclaimed "Issues in Contemporary Diplomacy" series, offering scholarly yet accessible analysis of one of international relations' most pressing concerns. This meticulously researched work examines the complex relationship between diplomatic practice and human rights advocacy within the framework of contemporary global politics.
The book's comprehensive approach spans twelve expertly crafted chapters, beginning with foundational concepts and progressing through complex contemporary challenges. Karoui demonstrates that "global development" is one of the most influential factors in the field of diplomacy, showing how "international relations have undergone radical transformations as a result of political, economic, and social developments at the global level." This transformation has created new imperatives for diplomatic engagement with human rights issues.
The author skilfully navigates the tension between traditional state sovereignty and universal human rights principles, exploring how "the new international system is witnessing growing conflicts and challenges that require diplomatic strategies different from those that were customary in the past." The work examines how international organisations have shaped human rights standards and how technology presents both opportunities and challenges for rights advancement.
Particularly valuable is the book's exploration of practical diplomatic strategies for human rights promotion, acknowledging that in today's world, "human rights organisations and international human rights treaties represent key bases for shaping international policy and guiding international relations." The work concludes with a forward-looking perspective on developing "diplomacy based on awareness and responsibility".
This volume serves as an indispensable resource for international relations professionals, academics, policy analysts, and graduate students seeking to understand the evolving landscape of rights-based diplomacy in the twenty-first century.
