Balakrishnan Rajagopal's fundamental critique of modern international law draws attention to traditional Third World engagements. Rajagopal challenges current approaches to international law and politics either through states or through individuals. With transnational and local social movement action now becoming increasingly visible and important--as witnessed in Seattle in 1999, he demonstrates that a new global order must consider seriously the resistance of social movements in the development of international law.

This collection addresses human rights and development for researchers, policymakers and activists at a time of major challenges. 'Critical issues' in the title signifies both the urgency of the issues and the need for critical rethinking. After exploring the overarching issues of development and economic theory, gender, climate change and disability, the book focuses on issues of technology and trade, education and information, water and sanitation, and work, health, housing and food. The chapters then examine how to operationalize human rights in development through accountability,...