Human Rights and the Ethics of Globalization provides a balanced, thoughtful discussion of the globalization of the economy and the ethical considerations inherent in the many changes it has prompted. The book's introduction maps out the philosophical foundations for constructing an ethic of globalization, taking into account both traditional and contemporary sources. These ideals are applied to four specific test cases: the ethics of investing in China, the case study of the Firestone company's presence in Liberia, free-trade and fair-trade issues pertaining to the coffee trade with Ethiopia and the use of low-wage factories in Mexico to serve the US market. The book concludes with a comprehensive discussion of how to enforce global compliance with basic human rights standards, with particular attention to stopping abuses by multinational corporations through litigation under the Alien Tort Claims Act.

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title, 2011

‘Dan and Elizabeth Lee have written a concise, courageous, and creative book. Richly philosophical, they dare to go beyond the philosopher’s ruminations and provide frameworks, guidance, and answers for some of today’s most difficult issues in corporate responsibility. This is one of the best books in business ethics I’ve read in years!’

Timothy Fort - Institute for Corporate Responsibility and George Washington University School of Business

‘In Human Rights and the Ethics of Globalization, the Lees have done the unthinkable: they have managed to create a clear, coherent framework for exploring and understanding one of the more complex topics of our time. By providing a philosophical foundation for delving into a phenomenon that crosses international boundaries, affects private actors and governments alike, and operates along political, social, and economic dimensions, the Lees have produced a major contribution, which will be appreciated by scholars and lay readers alike. The seamless transition between theory and practical case studies makes the book a truly enjoyable reading experience.’

Georgie Geraghty - University of Chicago Law School