In Our Own Best Interest

Praise

Entertaining is not a word one normally associates with the struggle for human rights, and yet that is the perfect word to describe this book by William Schulz. Entertaining, yes, and moving, and complex, this assault against indifference is also an urgent blueprint for action and a guide full of wisdom for the perplexed.–Ariel Dorfman

“This is the strongest case I ever read for support of human rights. Eloquently written, well argued-it makes a case not just for professionals, but for all who care.” –Amitai Etzioni, author of The Spirit of Community

“This book is indispensable for believers who find that our oft cited moral and legal justifications for protecting international human rights are all too rarely heeded. Schulz sets out reasoned and compelling arguments for the pragmatic implications of a strong human rights policy. Anyone concerned about maintaining a strong economy, protecting the environment, stopping the spread of devastating disease, or protecting our national security must understand the horrifying specter of the failure to heed this call. Schulz adds a multitude of arrows to the quiver of the converted that skeptics and cynics can ill afford to ignore. His words and wisdom are right on target. Read this book.”–Kerry Kennedy Cuomo

“If any foreign policy primer could be called a page-turner, it is this one by the executive director of Amnesty International USA. What the human rights community needs to do, argues Schulz in this well-written clarion call, is find ‘the compelling reasons why respect for human rights is in the best interests of the United States.’ . . . Schulz has written a clear and provocative book that should be read by all concerned with human rights and U.S. foreign policy and will draw new supporters among the general public.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“In such a climate, William F. Schulz, a former UUA president and current executive director of Amnesty International USA, has written a smart, detailed and compelling book about the urgency of the human rights movement. In Our Own Best Interest: How Defending Human Rights Benefits All Americans strikes at the core of existing notions of national self-interest by making the case that if we value our own lives and futures, we will pay serious attention to upholding human rights everywhere on earth. . . . In writing In Our Own Best Interests, Schulz has given new life and strength to the reality of our interdependence.”–World