Rampant market economics in today's world has led to violations of human rights. Koen de Feyter questions how far the international human rights system - focused on legal conventions and enforcement by state machinery - really provides effective protection against the adverse effects of globalization. He makes some innovative suggestions for improving the human rights system, including rethinking the state's obligations, creating human rights responsibilities for big companies and international financial institutions, and developing human rights obligations for states beyond their own national territories. In explaining the relevance of a human rights approach for combating the downsides of globalization, he reveals the potential for a strategic alliance between human rights activists and participants in the anti-globalization and development movements.