ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the concept of liberal theory in international law, initiated and developed by Professor Anne-Marie Slaughter and her followers. It also explores the role of the States in international human rights law. Perhaps the EU and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights are the most promising targets. The integration of international human rights law with domestic laws and policies is necessary for human rights protection. The core of Slaughters liberal theory of international law is her attempt to change the structure from top-down to bottom-up or from state-centric to individual-centric. Slaughters liberal theory of international law has brought us new perspectives. It reminds international lawyers that the ultimate goal of international law should be the maximum respect of human dignity; that individuals and groups should be the main actors; that sovereign states are instruments to be used in the long journey to the ideally glorious world, where individuals are in the center.
