Why do nations grant universal rights to foreigners? An analysis through various theories of international relations

This thesis challenges the common assumption that rights, especially those granted to foreigners, are universal and self-evident. Through historical, legal, and theoretical analysis, it demonstrates that rights are contingent, strategic constructs shaped by state practices and international power dynamics. A historical survey reveals that rights to foreigners have varied across civilizations, reflecting pragmatic state interests rather than moral absolutes. Theoretical insights from five major schools of international relations converge in viewing rights as tools of governance—whether for legitimacy, coordination, or stability—rather than purely ethical mandates. Contemporary analysis shows that rights function as political achievements enforceable through institutional power, benefiting states that codify and reciprocally uphold them by enhancing international cooperation and competitiveness. Ultimately, extending rights to foreigners signals state strength and strategic foresight, reframing rights not as altruism but as instruments of durable political order and international advantage.