Human Rights and Foreign Policy: The Relationship of Theory and Action
Abstract
This paper has attempted to provide rational analysis and justification for the present administration's policy on human rights by examining the problem, human rights theory, and practical action. There is a remaining dimension which has not been dealt with either explicitly or implicitly. What if it were possible to program all the analyses and arguments with their respective probabilities into a computer? And what if the resulting computer solution showed that a foreign policy based upon a fundamental concern for universal human rights would, in fact, be "unwise" or "ineffective" in terms of its practical consequences to the United States? Logic would point to but one action: Return to the wise, effective, efficient, practical policies pursued by past administrations. One is reminded, however, of Jonathan Swift's "logical" solution to the Irish famine: Eat the babies. The logic cannot be faulted. It has the "virtue" of simultaneously providing food as well as reducing the number of people to be fed. The reason that this solution was not adopted was, of course, that it was emotionally repugnant. Since that time, there have been other, more modern solutions discarded for the same reason. Man's ability to rationally calculate impels him in one direction, but emotionally he is severely uncomfortable with that decision and overrides it because it does not feel right. Perhaps, since we are not computers, we should not try to emulate them. The fundamental question, then, is: If we could secure our national survival and the rights of our citizens by abandoning active concern for the rest of mankind, would it be worth it? Likely this larger question is what Mr. Brzezinski had in mind when he said: "If SALT is dependent on the United States having to deny itself the right to affirm these beliefs [human rights], then it is not worth it."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA511491
Entities
People
- William M. Martin Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army War College