Civilising Globalisation: Human Rights and the Global Economy

David Kinley

Aug 2009 · Cambridge University Press

About this ebook

Economic globalisation and universal human rights both have the aspiration and power to improve and enrich individuals and communities. However, their respective institutions, methods, practices and goals differ, leading to both detrimental clashes and beneficial synergies. In this book, David Kinley analyses how human rights intersect with the trade, aid and commercial dimensions of global economic relations, taking the view that, while the global economy is a vitally important civilising instrument, it itself requires civilising according to human rights standards. Combining meticulous research with highly informed views and experiences, he outlines the intellectual, policy and practical frameworks for ensuring that the global economy advances the ends of human rights, argues for better exploitation of the global economy's capacity to distribute as well as create wealth, and proposes mechanisms by which to minimise and manage the socially debilitating effects of its market failures and financial meltdowns.

About the author

David Kinley holds the Chair in Human Rights Law at the University of Sydney. An internationally renowned expert in the field, he has advised governments and corporations on human rights issues and has worked with the UN, the World Bank, AusAID and various NGOs.