Maria A. Sanchez, "Deference and Divergence in Regional Human Rights Courts" (Cornell UP, 2026)

Maria A. Sanchez, "Deference and Divergence in Regional Human Rights Courts" (Cornell UP, 2026)

Author: Marshall Poe March 20, 2026 Duration: 51:52
In Deference and Divergence in Regional Human Rights Courts (Cornell UP, 2026), Dr. Maria A. Sanchez tackles a central tension in global governance: how international human rights courts balance their mandates with the imperative to respect national sovereignty. Despite having similar mandates, the world's three regional human rights courts—the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights—interpret their authority differently, leading to uneven regional enforcement of global human rights principles. Dr. Sanchez traces how the geopolitical dynamics of each court's founding moments have manifested in contemporary disparities across the courts' jurisprudences—focusing on disputes involving freedom of expression, personal integrity rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her findings expose a paradox: the courts that were founded in the most inhospitable environments for human rights have ended up asserting the most expansive authority over governments. Deeply researched and insightful, Deference and Divergence in Regional Human Rights Courts speaks to when and how international institutions can leverage authority to intervene in domestic affairs. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

Dive into the complex and vibrant realities of the African continent through its latest scholarship. New Books in African Studies, part of the broader New Books Network founded by Marshall Poe, offers a space where authors and academics engage in substantive, accessible conversations about their newest work. Each episode pairs a researcher with a knowledgeable host for a deep exploration of a recently published book, moving beyond simple summaries to unpack the arguments, the research journeys, and the contemporary relevance of these studies. You’ll encounter discussions that span history, politics, social movements, artistic expression, and the intricate dynamics of culture and place, reflecting the podcast’s wide-ranging scope. This channel transforms dense academic writing into lively dialogue, making cutting-edge thought available to anyone curious about Africa’s past and its pressing present. Tuning in provides a direct line to the scholars shaping the field, offering listeners a chance to grapple with fresh perspectives and nuanced analyses. It’s an intellectual resource that respects the listener’s intelligence, fostering a deeper understanding of a region too often simplified. For anyone with an interest in scholarly discourse, global affairs, or simply learning from experts in genuine conversation, this podcast serves as an invaluable and consistently engaging audio library.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

New Books in African Studies
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