Can universal human rights and different national citizenship regimes ever be compatible? This book argues that they can’t, setting out a legal-philosophical critique of the tension between both.

It explores whether the emergence of postnational models of citizenship that aim at decoupling human rights and citizenship succeed in overcoming tensions between the universal (multiculturalism; universal human rights; postnational values) and the particular (citizenship; borders; national values and diverse local narratives). As a result of this exploration, the author argues that it is illegitimate to speak of universal human rights, universal human dignity, or universal social justice. It is only by recognising this reality that a much needed transformation of human rights and citizenship can be undertaken in a meaningful way.

This provocative and compelling work will appeal to both human rights and citizenship lawyers, as well as others involved in human rights law at NGOs, governments, international organisations – and indeed anyone with an interest in the subject of how human rights evolved and new concepts for the future.

Christian H Kälin is Chairman of Henley & Partners, UK.