Foundations and Fault Lines: Social Contract Theory, Western Liberalism, and the International Human Rights Regime.

The article examines the philosophical foundations and normative development of the international human rights regime, focusing on the influence of social contract theory and Western liberalism. It traces the evolution of political thought from Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau through Enlightenment thinkers like Kant and Mill, highlighting their impact on key human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966). While acknowledging the regime's strengths in establishing universal standards and legal accountability, the article critically addresses its Western-centric orientation, cultural exclusivity, selective enforcement, and tensions with state sovereignty. Drawing on postcolonial and pluralist critiques, it argues for a more inclusive, dialogical human rights framework that integrates diverse cultural perspectives—such as African communal ethics and regional human rights systems—to enhance the regime's legitimacy and global relevance.