When does the lecture take place?

The lecture takes place on Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Where is Human Rights and Foreign Policy taking place?

The venue is the vhs Fürth at Hirschenstraße 27/29, 90762 Fürth.

How much does admission cost?

Admission costs 3 Euro at the box office.

Who is giving the lecture?

The lecture is given by Janina Heaphy, senior research associate at the FAU Center for Human Rights and researcher on foreign policy, human rights, diplomacy, and security studies.

What topics will be covered?

The topics covered include the fundamentals, goals, and instruments of human rights-oriented foreign policy as well as tensions with economic, security, and geopolitical interests.

Human Rights and Foreign Policy

Name: Human Rights and Foreign Policy
Start: 2026-12-03T19:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-12-03T20:30:00+01:00
Location: vhs Fürth

Human Rights and Foreign Policy: Between Aspiration and Interests

On Thursday, December 3, 2026, the vhs Fürth invites you to an informative lecture about the tension between human rights ideals and foreign policy interests. From 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the discussion will focus on how liberal democracies promote and protect human rights while dealing with conflicts arising from economic, security, and geopolitical objectives.

When Values Meet Political Interests

Human rights are considered the foundation of liberal democracies. However, in international politics, normative claims often collide with issues of security, economic relations, and strategic influence. The lecture will clarify these complex interconnections and explain why human rights-oriented foreign policy rarely avoids difficult trade-offs.

Fundamentals, Instruments and Concrete Tensions

The focus will be on the fundamentals, goals, and instruments of human rights-oriented foreign policy. Selected examples will illustrate how diplomatic initiatives, international agreements, and support for civil society organizations are utilized. At the same time, it will become clear where political practice and publicly stated claims can diverge.

Expertise from Research and Teaching

Janina Heaphy works as a senior research associate at the FAU Center for Human Rights. Her research and teaching areas include foreign policy, human rights, diplomacy, and security studies. Additionally, she is habilitating at the Chair for Human Rights Policy. The evening thus combines scientific expertise with an understandable approach for politically interested visitors.

Control, Media, and Civil Society

In conclusion, the focus will shift to democratic oversight and societal participation. What role do parliaments, international courts, media, and civil society organizations play? And how can citizens publicly address human rights issues? The lecture will provide a space for framing, reflection, and exchange.

Conclusion: Political Education with Current Relevance

The event experience at the vhs Fürth combines solid political education with a central question of our time: How credible and effective can foreign policy advocate for human rights? Those who wish to better understand international politics and sharpen their own judgments will experience an informative evening with clear concepts, concrete examples, and sustainable food for thought.