ABSTRACT
Having examined the discourse around human rights norms from two expert “moral philosophers” and considered the background informing their perspectives, the book takes on a contemporary case study in the 2011 conflicts in South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA). Recalling that this modern case study has its roots in historical sectarian and political rifts, these conflicts also involved a wide swath of regional and global governments, including both Western governments and the governments of Muslim-majority countries. Human rights are at risk most during violence conflicts and social change movements. By any standards of measurement, the transformative events that started in 2011 in South West Asia and North Africa are more consequential than any other social movement around the world. One could argue that these transformative events might have inspired other significant movements outside this region including the Occupy movement in the West. Radical change often leads to social dislocation and increased risks for marginalized social groups. In this section, the author presents key facts and figures about events that impacted human rights and then analyzes these facts and figures to identify the systemic forces, attitudes, justifications, and motives that impacted human rights
