Culture, Human Rights, and Gender Equity in International Relations

Abstract

This work explores the cultural dimension of international relations and the impact it has in terms of interaction with the otherness. Culture, as a way of life, more so than a mere accumulation of knowledge, is an essential factor to understand the way in which human groups become integrated, are preserved or finally fragmented. At the international level, it is one of the main causes of conflict, but also, through hybridization processes it is an important factor of integration of international systems in transit to international societies. The topics of human rights and gender equity, both intricately interconnected, have strong cultural roots, causing angry controversies regarding their meaning and scope in a globalized world. The problematic contemporary international agenda requires a cultural consensus to enhance the horizon for the ideals of human rights and gender equity to promote a stronger stability for our turbulent current international system.