The United States and Human Rights addresses the place of human rights in U.S. policy, both domestic and foreign. The contributors are leading analysts of international human rights, some having considerable experience working with human rights organizations and others providing expertise from such fields as law, developmental anthropology, political science, and public diplomacy.

The first part of the book deals with human rights issues in American society. The contributors focus on how international human rights standards could improve American society in several areas, including health care, the labor force, and refugee and immigration affairs. Other essays analyze why the United States has been hesitant to ratify human rights treaties. The second part of the book deals with human rights issues in American foreign policy, considering both stated ideals and the practical application of those ideals. Of particular interest are the impact of public opinion on humanitarian assistance and support for democracy abroad, and how the persistent issue of universal human rights affects U.S. relations with the United Nations, human rights organizations, indigenous peoples, and particular countries.