Human Rights and the Uses of History

Exploring the origins and evolution of human rights, Samuel Moyn critically examines the narratives constructed by prominent thinkers in the field. He highlights the influence of America's post-Cold War dominance on interpretations of humanitarianism, particularly in the context of the British Empire. Moyn emphasizes that the crucial issue is not merely the historical roots of human rights but rather their future trajectory in an increasingly multipolar world, challenging readers to reconsider their significance and potential transformations.