Poland's Solidarity Movement and the Global Politics of Human Rights

In the historiography of human rights, the 1980s are often overlooked, but Robert Brier's research shows that the Solidarity movement in Poland received support from a diverse range of international groups, demonstrating the political and contested nature of human rights in international politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the realm of human rights historiography, the 1980s often appear as a mere footnote to the remarkable strides made in the preceding decade. However, Robert Brier's insightful examination of one of the pivotal figures in recent human rights history—Poland's Solidarity movement—dismantles this notion. Suppressed in 1981, Solidarity emerged as a remarkable coalition of international groups, including US Cold Warriors, French left-wing intellectuals, trade unionists, Amnesty International, and even Chilean opponents of the Pinochet regime. By delving into the politics and transnational discourses of these diverse actors, Brier unveils the precarious nature of human rights in international politics well into the 1980s. Moreover, he underscores the profound political and contentious nature of human rights as actors in both East and West embraced them to redefine their social and political identities during times of significant cultural and intellectual transformation.

The 1980s witnessed a significant shift in the global political landscape, marked by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of new actors on the international stage. This period also saw the rise of human rights as a global concern, with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights and other international treaties recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals. However, the 1980s were not without their challenges. In Eastern Europe, the Solidarity movement in Poland faced suppression and persecution by the communist government, leading to the tragic events of the Solidarity Strike in 1982. Despite these challenges, the Solidarity movement continued to grow and gain support, eventually leading to the fall of the communist regime in 1989.

In the West, the 1980s were characterized by a growing awareness of the human rights abuses committed by authoritarian regimes in countries such as Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. The rise of the human rights movement in these countries led to the establishment of international organizations such as Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court, which aimed to hold individuals and governments accountable for human rights violations.

The 1980s also saw the emergence of new forms of activism and advocacy, such as the women's rights movement, the environmental movement, and the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. These movements challenged traditional power structures and demanded greater social and political change, often using human rights as a framework for their arguments.

In conclusion, the 1980s were a complex and transformative period in the history of human rights. While the movement faced significant challenges, it also made significant strides in recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals and in establishing a global framework for protecting and promoting human rights. The legacy of the 1980s continues to shape the world today, as we work to build a more just and equitable society that respects and protects the rights of all its members.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108478526