Indivisible human rights : a history /

International human rights are commonly organized into two categories: civil/political and economic, social, and cultural. Whelan (Hendrix College) has produced the most comprehensive examination of the changing relationship between these two categories, and he does so in terms of "indivisibility," or firm linkages, during the period since WW II. Whelan concludes that "indivisibility" predominated initially, but the Global South gave priority to the second category as countries developed authoritarian systems with very little room for civil or political rights. The author then avers that "indivisibility" returned after the end of the Cold War. Whelan's study is thorough, accurate, and original, and it covers many matters that human rights scholars do not usually address. Whelan's analysis of bureaucratic mechanics is strong, but he devotes too much coverage to meetings and semantic disagreements while acknowledging excessive "meaningless gibberish" evident at UN sessions. His research framework is narrowly defined and does not include evidence regarding the practical application of UN covenants. Whelan competently addresses relevant issues, and his commentary should become a reliable reference source because it clearly delineates the historical record. Unfortunately, it is difficult to read and probably will not be accessible or exciting to undergraduates or generalists. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate and research collections. A. Klinghoffer emeritus, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden