"If we wish to create an international environment in which as many hu-man beings as possible can enjoy freedom from want (human development) and freedom from fear (human security), human rights, democracy and the rule of law must become the cornerstones of international politics. In the following, a short historical comparison between U.S. and European policies regarding human rights will be provided in order to better understand current politics. This leads us to possible alternatives and to addressing the question of whether Europe is ready to take the lead in shaping international human rights policies."