Insincere Commitments

"The unique contribution of this book is in demonstrating how citizens, NGOs, and activists seize on these new treaties and utilize the individual petition process at the UN to successfully enhance state compliance with treaties and in turn improve human rights a solid book that makes an important contribution to the academic debates on human rights and international law."—Choice

"The accessible language and strong evidence will make it an interesting read for students and scholars, as well as for professionals working in the field of international human rights."—Journal of Peace Research

"This incisive study shows the power of civil society to transform insincere commitment to life-saving compliance. It provides critical insight on the evolution of transnational interactions over time, advancing the debate on how norms matter. Combining rigorous statistical analysis with apt case studies, this book affirms the importance of empowerment for realizing global governance."—Alison Brysk, Mellichamp Professor of Global Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara

"Heather Smith-Cannoy has written a careful and persuasive book on the importance of human rights NGOs—the UN system of individual petition cannot be effective without them. Drawing on multiple theories and research methods, including in depth case studies in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, this book should be of interest to scholars of human rights, social movements and international law."—Emilie M. Hafner-Burton, associate professor, School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, and director of the Laboratory on International Law and Regulation

"Heather Smith-Cannoy provides insights into the consequences of human rights treaties, even when commitments are made by obviously insincere governments intent on drawing in international aid and investment. Those with the most at stake have used these agreements to literally change their rights chances on the ground. Anyone skeptical about the consequences of human rights treaty ratification—and especially protocols that give individuals a right to complain before treaty implementation bodies—should read these cases with an open mind."—Beth A. Simmons, Harvard University

"Insincere Commitments is a fascinating and rigorous account for why governments of newly independent countries take on international human rights legal obligations, and how these seemingly costless commitments can have unanticipated bite down the road. A must-read for anyone interested in international human rights or the politics of Central Asia or Eastern Europe."—Jana von Stein, assistant professor of political science, University of Michigan

"Insincere Commitments is a model of multi-method research. Smith-Cannoy employs data analyses to assess global patterns of treaty commitment and offers fascinating case studies that illuminate the motives of governments and trace the ways in which insincere commitments can pave the way for real human rights progress. This book will deservedly earn a wide audience among students and scholars of human rights, international law, and international relations. "—Wayne Sandholtz, professor of political science, University of California, Irvine