With China’s rise, many aspects of the liberal international order have been challenged. As China ardently defends its sovereignty, respect for international human rights norms and standards are an...Show moreWith China’s rise, many aspects of the liberal international order have been challenged. As China ardently defends its sovereignty, respect for international human rights norms and standards are an important facet of this. Therefore, incorporating China into the current global system remains a complex issue. Nevertheless, as a founder of the postwar international system, the United States maintains its position as a defender of universal human rights around the world. With the rise of President Xi Jinping in 2012, defending these rights became even more imperative. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this paper outlines and details President Obama and his administration’s attempts at shaping China’s behavior through the weaponization of human rights discourse. Weaponizing rights can transform them from altruistic ideals into ideological tools within geopolitics.Show less
