Human Rights and Structural Adjustment
Human Rights and Structural Adjustment by M. Rodwan Abouharb, published by Cambridge University Press on December 13, 2007, is a comprehensive examination of the impact of structural adjustment policies on developing countries. This 292-page book delves into the relationship between economic liberalization, as mandated by loans from the World Bank and IMF, and its effects on human rights and economic development. The authors argue that rather than strengthening economies, these policies often exacerbate poverty, civil conflict, and repression, leading to a decline in overall development.
Readers will find a critical analysis of how structural adjustment agreements influence social and economic rights, highlighting the rise in anti-government protests and civil unrest as a consequence of these policies. The book discusses the paradox of increased respect for democratic rights amidst a decline in economic and social rights, advocating for a human rights-based approach to economic development. Through this exploration, Abouharb and co-author David Cingranelli provide insights into the complex interplay between international financial policies and human rights, making this work relevant for those interested in political science, international relations, and human rights issues.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘Structural adjustment’ has been a central part of the development strategy for the ‘third world’. Loans made by the World Bank and the IMF have been conditional on developing countries pursuing rapid economic liberalization programmes as it was believed this would strengthen their economies in the long run. M. Rodwan Abouharb and David Cingranelli argue that, conversely, structural adjustment agreements usually cause increased hardship for the poor, greater civil conflict, and more repression of human rights, therefore resulting in a lower rate of economic development. Greater exposure to structural adjustment has increased the prevalence of anti-government protests, riots and rebellion. It has led to less respect for economic and social rights, physical integrity rights, and worker rights, but more respect for democratic rights. Based on these findings, the authors recommend a human rights-based approach to economic development.
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