The U.S.: Global Champion of Human Rights?

The United States trumpets itself as the international protector of human rights. But critics would argue that the U.S.'s actions are not consistent with the mission it claims to champion. "America has spent a half-century supporting dictators and tyrants all over the world (and in the Muslim world, in particular)," writes Vir Sanghvi, editor of the Hindustan Times. "Its reward has been global anti-Americanism." This hour: the United States' role in international human rights as the war on terrorism rolls on. Is forging alliances with nations with poor records on civil liberties a good idea? Or should America's own security trump concerns about other nations' rights abuses?

Guests:

John Shattuck, former Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights