Kenneth Roth, former head of Human Rights Watch for nearly 30 years, discusses the troubling state of human rights under rising authoritarianism. He believes there's a path for Trump to make positive changes, despite his tumultuous past. The conversation delves into China's repressive regime, challenges faced by human rights organizations, and the illusory nature of autocratic prosperity. Roth emphasizes the link between a nation’s treatment of LGBTQ communities and broader human rights issues, advocating for international cooperation and accountability in combating oppression.
The current global landscape shows a worrying rise in authoritarianism, with attacks on human rights facilitated by diminished accountability from powerful nations.
Activists must cultivate inclusive communities within the human rights movement to effectively respond to the challenges posed by disinformation and far-right ideologies.
Deep dives
Current State of Human Rights
The discussion highlights the concerning state of human rights globally, reflecting on the rise of authoritarianism, increasing inequality, and the global backlash against gender equality. As reported by various organizations, the number of forcibly displaced individuals is at a historical high, and global freedom has declined for 19 consecutive years. This trajectory raises questions about the enforcement of human rights and the overarching trends that affect them. Despite this grim picture, there remains a persistent struggle for rights among populations, with many individuals actively advocating for democracy in the face of repression.
The Role of Governments in Human Rights Abuses
The conversation underscores how some governments may feel emboldened to violate human rights due to a perceived lack of accountability from major powers. Effective pushback against abuses often involves the international community leveraging disincentives such as sanctions and reputational damage against oppressive regimes. Current examples illustrate this dynamic, where leaders like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin exploit global power vacuums to continue their repressive practices. The challenge lies in rallying democracies to unite and assert pressure against these human rights violations, ensuring that the costs of oppression are high for authoritarian regimes.
Shifting Public Perception and Information Warfare
The podcast addresses the growing difficulty of holding nations accountable for human rights violations in an era where truth is contested, particularly with the rise of disinformation and propaganda. Autocratic leaders often deflect criticism by highlighting the hypocrisy of Western nations, creating an environment where they can justify their actions. Despite this, activists and organizations continue to document abuses and reveal discrepancies between governments' claims and practices. While access to information has improved, the challenge remains in reaching those who rely on less credible sources and navigating a landscape where misinformation can shape public opinion.
The Future of Human Rights and Community Engagement
The need for a renewed focus on building community connections within the human rights movement is emphasized as essential for sustaining democratic ideals. The conversation points out that current political climates are often influenced by those feeling left behind, leading to far-right ideologies gaining traction. By fostering an inclusive sense of community, human rights advocates can better rally support for universal protections and counter narratives that seek to ostracize certain populations. This approach is especially pertinent in addressing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable groups, thereby ensuring that advocacy for rights remains relevant and resonant with broader societal issues.
“I don’t give up on Trump. I do think that, for the wrong reasons, we can get him to do the right things” says former Human Rights Watch chief Kenneth Roth. Roth sits down with Ravi Agrawal to share his take on human rights today amid democratic backsliding, ongoing conflict, and a new U.S. administration on the world stage.