This essay, originally written in 1997 was only published in 2002 by the Center for the Study of Human Rights (CSHR). It attempts to present a conceptual overview on the key human rights issues relevant to the understanding of state-society relations in the contemporary world. The essay is divided into seven chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the topic. It concludes by highlighting the importance of reformation of the state through democratic and political processes in order to incorporate international human rights.