The Targeted Chaos of Trump’s Attacks Against International Human Rights Law and Justice: When we look back at history, there are moments that define how governments interact with global standards of justice and human rights. Donald Trump’s second term in office has seen some of the most forceful and unapologetic attacks on international human rights frameworks the world has ever witnessed.
In a matter of days, President Trump’s administration began what seems like a relentless and systematic dismantling of U.S. commitments to human rights. The unprecedented nature of these actions is clear. Just a week into his second term, Trump’s administration had already taken steps to disengage from critical international frameworks and undermine the very laws that have protected human rights across the globe. For instance, the U.S. withdrew from the United Nations Human Rights Council, a move that solidified its stance against global accountability. This is despite the U.S. not being a member of the Council at the time. On top of this, Trump took direct aim at the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has worked tirelessly to bring justice to war criminals, while also attempting to review and undermine vital human rights treaties already ratified by the U.S. These actions reflect a deeper agenda to weaken, or even dismantle, the global systems that protect human rights.
These actions may sound like mere political maneuvers, but their effects ripple far beyond the realm of diplomacy. The potential ramifications for global productivity are significant. Human rights protections are foundational to global stability, which in turn supports economic productivity. Without the rule of law, countries slip into chaos, and commerce, trust, and innovation become hard to sustain. Trump’s agenda, while deeply divisive, reveals an attack on the very systems that allow nations to prosper through mutual respect for human dignity.
Trump’s Aggressive Withdrawal from International Human Rights Commitments
Trump’s first term marked the beginning of his war on international human rights law, but it’s his second term that is proving more intense and aggressive. In 2018, Trump’s administration withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council, citing “political bias.” This was in response to a damning UN report on extreme poverty in the U.S. that reflected poorly on the nation’s human rights record. The administration’s retreat from cooperating with UN human rights experts followed shortly after.
Fast forward to 2020, Trump imposed sanctions against ICC officials, actions that were widely condemned both domestically and abroad. These sanctions, which the ACLU challenged in court, were struck down by federal judges. But just a year later, Trump renewed his attack, issuing a new executive order aimed at the ICC. While such actions may seem distant from the daily lives of U.S. citizens, they have consequences on global relations and productivity. International trade, diplomatic relations, and the ability for U.S. businesses to operate overseas rely on stable, law-abiding governments. When global justice institutions are undermined, the whole world becomes less predictable—and less productive.
The Broader Anti-Rights Agenda and Its Impact on Productivity
Behind these headline-grabbing actions lies a broader ideological agenda to weaken international human rights. Think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, the intellectual backbone of Project 2025, have long been pushing for policies that reduce U.S. commitment to international law, all under the guise of national security. In doing so, they seek to create a new hierarchy of rights where freedom of religion and property rights are prioritized over fundamental human rights like life and security. This dangerous trajectory would lead to significant losses in global productivity.
When human rights are de-prioritized or weakened, nations are more prone to conflict, instability, and corruption—conditions that choke economic development and productivity. For example, the failure to prosecute war crimes or address gross human rights violations can prevent countries from emerging from conflict or from fostering environments where businesses can thrive. History shows us that where human rights are honored, economic growth tends to follow. But where human rights are undermined, as we see with the Trump administration’s actions, economic stagnation is often the result.
The Attack on Ratified Human Rights Treaties: A Threat to Global Order and Stability
One of the most alarming aspects of Trump’s actions is his executive order to review all international organizations and treaties that the U.S. is involved in, with the goal of determining whether they align with U.S. interests. Among the treaties at risk are core human rights agreements like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. These treaties have been essential in upholding human rights worldwide.
The impact of weakening such treaties would be felt not just on a moral or legal level, but on an economic one as well. Treaties like the ICCPR have long provided a global legal framework that helps maintain order and protect individual freedoms. By undermining these protections, Trump’s policies risk creating a global landscape where the rule of law is weaker, and economic systems become less reliable and predictable.
Moreover, the U.S. has only ratified three of nine core human rights treaties. These treaties are the building blocks of international human rights law, and any attempt to roll them back would create a domino effect, undermining the trust and stability needed for robust international cooperation—cooperation that fuels global productivity.
How These Attacks Can Harm Global Productivity
We all know how interconnected the world is today. In a time where companies operate across borders, maintaining stable, just, and accountable international frameworks is vital to sustained economic growth. If these human rights treaties are weakened or dissolved, the global system that allows business to thrive—by fostering trust, cooperation, and stability—will begin to erode. This may lead to more restrictive trade policies, reduced foreign investment, and increased global conflict, all of which have disastrous effects on productivity.
Consider the example of international businesses operating in conflict zones where human rights are violated with impunity. When justice systems fail to hold perpetrators accountable, it creates an unstable business environment where companies face reputational risks, legal challenges, and disrupted operations. A reduction in the capacity of global institutions like the ICC to pursue justice could embolden authoritarian regimes, leading to more widespread violations and making the global marketplace riskier for everyone.
Conclusion: Protecting Human Rights is Key to Global Stability and Productivity
In conclusion, Trump’s attacks on international human rights law pose significant risks—not only to global justice but also to global productivity. As much as these policies aim to reshape international human rights structures, they ultimately risk destabilizing global relations and diminishing the economic opportunities that businesses and individuals rely on. It is crucial that we do not let these attacks go unchecked. A world without human rights protections is one that is fraught with instability, and ultimately, lower productivity. The United States must choose to uphold these laws and support global justice in order to ensure a more prosperous and stable future for all.