Verity: Jurnal Ilmiah Hubungan Internasional (International Relations Journal)
Vol. 17 No. 34 (2025): July-December

Cultural Rights: A Bridge to Cosmopolitan Culture

Nasution, Elyzabeth Bonethe (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the conceptual foundations of cultural rights by situating them within the evolving understanding of culture and the broader human rights discourse. Drawing from contemporary scholarship, the analysis demonstrates that culture has shifted from a static, group-bound notion toward a fluid, meaning-making process, a shift that significantly influences how cultural rights are theorized and justified. The paper identifies key strengths of cultural rights, including their ability to prevent human rights violations, protect minority communities from both forced assimilation and cultural oppression, preserve cultural diversity, and foster conditions for peaceful coexistence. At the same time, the paper highlights several conceptual limitations, such as the risks of cultural relativism, the instrumentalization of cultural rights by states, and the homogenizing pressures of globalization. By bringing these strengths and limitations into conversation with theories of cosmopolitanism, the paper argues that cultural rights have the potential to act as a bridge toward cosmopolitan culture—one characterized by mutual recognition, dialogue, and respect for diversity. Ultimately, this study suggests that while cultural rights are imperfect, their continued development and thoughtful implementation could meaningfully contribute to a more inclusive and globally connected cultural sphere.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

JHIV

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Verity: Jurnal Ilmiah Hubungan Internasional (International Relations Journal) is published by the Faculty of Social and Political Science of the University of Pelita Harapan. The journal aims to facilitate the exchange and deployment of scientific ideas by academics and practitioners in the field ...