Meyer, William H. & Stefanova, Boyka, "Human Rights, The UN Global Compact, and Global Governance", Cornell International Law Journal v. 34 no3 (2001) p. 501-522 Abstract: This article discusses the Global Compact (GC) in relation to similar efforts in other quarters, and then ties these various political and legal activities to larger issues raised by theories of international relations. First, the article considers whether or not the Global Compact might have any impact on the behavior of transnational corporations (TNCs) . The author argues that the GC could have a positive impact, relying on empirical studies about the relationship between TNCs and human rights. The second section addresses the question: is the Compact's voluntary regulatory approach the best or most efficient way to foster morally responsible corporate behavior? Part III looks at TNCs and labor rights through the lens of international relations theory. It asks whether there is now, or will there be in the future, a global regime for TNCs and labor rights? Alternatively, do industrial relations theories of global governance better inform our understanding of international efforts such as the GC? In the conclusion, the author looks ahead to what may come next in the areas of TNCs, labor rights, and environmental rights.
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