Democracy And Human Rights In The Caribbean

Summary

The Caribbean, like regions elsewhere, is caught in what has been called democracy's global "Third Wave." In this volume, contributors examine the nature of democratization in the region together with its affiliate, human rights. The aim is to extend the analysis and debates beyond political democracy and civil and political rights to consider also economic democracy and economic and social rights. Early chapters address issues and dilemmas common to the democracy and human rights landscape throughout the region. In particular, economic crisis, drug trafficking, and political instability continue to threaten the region's very healthy democracy human rights profiles. Next, contributors consider how the form of Caribbean democracy and the status of human rights have been influenced by foreign actors and external developments. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Organization of American States, the United Nations, nongovernmental organizations, and international law. Because the democracy and human rights challenges and dynamics vary across countries, the work also offers extensive single-country assessments.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Democracy and Human Rights in the Caribbean -- International Dimensions and Common Problems -- International Law and Human Rights: A Caribbean Context -- The OAS and Human Rights in the Caribbean -- NGOs and IGOs as Promoters of Liberal Democracy in the Caribbean: Cases from Nicaragua and Guyana -- Drugs and Democratic Governance in the Caribbean -- Case Studies -- Democracy and Human Rights: The Case of Cuba -- Democracy and Human Rights in the Dominican Republic -- Human Rights in the Eastern Caribbean -- Democracy and Human Rights in Guyana -- Democracy and Human Rights in Haiti -- Globalization, Structural Adjustment, and Democracy in Jamaica -- Democracy and Human Rights in Suriname -- Human Rights and State Security in Trinidad and Tobago -- Conclusion: Democracy and Human Rights at the Century’s End