Democracy, social authoritarianism, and the human rights state theory: towards effective citizenship in Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACTHuman rights have advanced since Brazil’s re-democratisation, but social authoritarianism prevents more advancements. Progress requires structural changes. I argue that human rights state theory might work as a ‘realistic utopia’ for human rights defenders to persuade the Brazilian nation state to fully embrace human rights norms. But it ignores the role international human rights law can play. Beyond Gregg, I propose the development of a human rights state that seeks the internalisation and socialisation of international human rights law in Brazil’s domestic jurisdictions. I advance that theory to incorporate international human rights law towards establishing a human rights culture. I draw on empirical evidence from a specific case study to undergird my argument and develop a political strategy on how further human rights change could perhaps be brought to Brazil with the help of the idea of a human rights state.