International Human Rights Norms and Political Liberalization

Abstract

This research utilizes seven case studies to develop a general model of the relationship between international human rights treaty adoption and domestic political liberalization. Past approaches have stressed either the role of norms in influencing state behavior or, conversely, the importance of immediate state interests in embracing human rights treaties. The model developed here provides a more complex and interactive picture of the relationship between treaty adoption and domestic reforms. The model distinguishes between two types of domestic actors, “xenophobic and traditionalists,” who oppose the infiltration of Western influence, and “cosmopolitan professionals,” who are generally receptive to Western values and ideals. Similarly, the model identifies two types of ties to the international community and specifies their impact on treaty adoption. Integration with the international community creates sympathy to and acceptance of international norms, while dependency creates isolation from international norms and a resistance to treaty adoption.