This course examines the political struggle to define and implement international human rights norms, which protect people against abusive states and support international peace and stability . The first part describes the evolution of the international human rights regime since the traumatic events of the Second World War and the major controversies that have shaped it. The second part examines the continuing gap between states’ human rights commitments and practices. The third part evaluates ongoing international efforts to close that gap and considers alternative ways forward. The course mixes broad comparative discussions with in-depth case studies to help bring the issues to life. Students will be given the opportunity through tutorial discussions and course assessments to focus on countries that they might have a particular interest in.