The Legacy of Slavery and Racism in International Relations: Understanding Modern Human Rights Issues through the Lens of the Emancipation Proclamation

Abstract

The abolition of slavery, formally declared through the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, represented a watershed moment in the global pursuit of human rights. Yet, the end of legalised slavery did not dissolve the structural and institutionalised racism that continues to shape international relations and global governance. This study investigates the enduring legacy of slavery and its influence on the evolution of human rights discourse within the international system. While slavery as an institution was dismantled in the nineteenth century, racial hierarchies and discriminatory ideologies became embedded in treaties, legal frameworks, and global institutions, perpetuating unequal power relations among states and peoples. Employing a qualitative research design, the study analyses treaties, historical records, and critical literature to trace how racialised thinking was reproduced in international law and policy. The findings reveal that systemic racism persists in the operations of international organisations, the application of human rights norms, and the treatment of marginalised groups across borders. These dynamics demonstrate that the legacies of slavery continue to hinder genuine equality in global governance. By highlighting these continuities, the study underscores the urgent need for a reassessment of international norms and practices. It argues that confronting historical injustices requires a deliberate commitment by global actors to acknowledge, redress, and dismantle entrenched racial inequalities. Ultimately, the paper calls for a more inclusive and equitable international order that not only recognises the historical roots of human rights struggles but also actively advances justice in the present.