This ground breaking book discusses whether human rights can be forged into a common set of transcendent principles against which actions of every nation can be judged and whether such a common understanding, or civil religion, could one day become a vehicle for global peace. Eminent international scholars of history, political science, international relations, human rights and civil religion argue both sides of this debate. In Part One, the theoretical issues relating to why human rights have come about and whether they should be fought for are discussed. Part Two focuses on the reality of...

What is the relationship between creativity, cultural heritage institutions and copyright? Who owns culture and cultural heritage? The digital age has expanded the horizon of creative possibilities for artists and cultural institutions - what is the impact on legal regimes that were constructed for an analogue world? What are the tensions between the safeguarding of cultural heritage and the dissemination of knowledge about culture? Inspired by a three year research project involving leading European universities, this book explores the relationship between copyright and intellectual...

The various reports on cultural rights by UN Special Rapporteur Faridah Shaheed provide a new universal standard on cultural rights with topics ranging from cultural diversity, cultural heritage, and the right to artistic freedom to the effects of today's intellectual property regimes. The international team of expert contributors to this book reflect upon the many aspects of cultural rights in the reports and present a discussion of how cultural rights support cultural diversity, foster intercultural dialogue, and contribute to inclusive social, economic and political development.