Human rights gaining momentum in international business (economic diplomacy and international economic law)

摘要

This paper analyses recent developments in international business and especially in the sphere of economic diplomacy when, at a time of globalisation, it is being shaped and co-created by numerous new stakeholders. We are additionally looking into the role of international law in this regard, in a slightly different perspective as usual, especially international economic law. All these changes are happening in front of our very eyes and are supported by new technologies, especially social media. Additionally, we are again at a very delicate and momentous period of time in terms of international relations. Economic and geostrategic powers are shifting and international businessman and (economic) diplomats often find themselves caught between economic, business, financial, human rights protection and other issues. In this regard it is worth mentioning that the word 'diplomacy' has its roots in the Ancient Greek word 'δίλωμα', the literal meaning of which is 'making a deal with other countries'. In this paper, we claim that economic and business interests (deals) have been, with the support of international economic law, at the core of international (business) activities and especially diplomacy ever since that time. Owing the new media and the proactive role of civil society in the human rights protection field, these 'deals' have just been more visible.