Human Rights have long been at the epicenter of heated debates in contemporary politics. This course will examine the theoretical and philosophical foundations of human rights within their historical context, along with the key controversies that shape the current implementation and enforcement of human rights regime in global politics. The global human rights regime, the principles, norms, and rules designed to protect all individuals regardless of their place and position, is a contemporary creation. This course will examine the philosophical origins of both the concept of universal human rights as well as the efforts to enshrine and protect these rights through the 20th and 21st centuries. Focus will be on exploring the tension between this universalist principle and the role of states as both protectors and violators of human rights, the role of international organizations as well as legal mechanisms championing human rights, as well as critical voices who question the utility and purpose of the global human rights regime.