The Media and Human Rights: The Cosmopolitan Promise - Tapa dura

"An illuminating survey, rich in detail. Through the analysis of her case-studies, Balabanova shows with exemplary clarity how the media’s treatment of ‘human rights’ is of major significance not only for an understanding of many international conflicts but for the deeper play-off between ideals and realities in contemporary politics." - John Corner, University of Leeds, UK

"The idea of human rights is one of the most contested and yet politically indispensable concepts of our global age. It demands careful (care-filled) and critical interrogation and not least in respect of how it can become enacted and expanded or displaced and dissimulated in the flows and formations of the contemporary media. Ekaterina Balabanova’s intervention is not only timely; it’s admirably clear, cogent and pressing." - Simon Cottle, Cardiff University, UK

"This book is a strong first step in establishing what human rights instruments and monitory bodies exist (without overcomplicating) and how human rights issues are portrayed in mass media... this book is a much-needed addition to understanding the current state of human rights coverage in mass media." - Lindsey Blumell, Texas Tech University, USA

In recent years there has been an explosion in the usage and visibility of the language of human rights, but what does this mean for the role of the media? For evolving ideas about human rights? And for the prospect of shared cosmopolitan values?

Ekaterina Balabanova argues that in order to answer these questions there needs to be a deconstruction of monolithic ways of thinking about the media and human rights, incorporating the spectrum of political arguments and worldviews that underpin both.

Ten case studies are presented which illustrate many of the problems and challenges associated with the relationship between the media and human rights. The examples range from cases of humanitarian intervention to analysis of global human rights campaigning on refugee issues; from immigration and asylum, to genocide, freedom of speech and torture.

Anchored in an appreciation of the political conflicts and compromises at the heart of international human rights agreements, The Media and Human Rights is an invaluable resource for students studying media and human rights, international politics, security studies and political communication.