Human Rights Watch’s Maya Wang argues that despite increasing global competition between major powers, the fight for democracy and human rights must continue. The current geopolitical climate poses a significant threat to these values, as nations prioritize strategic interests over human rights concerns. Wang suggests that abandoning these principles in the face of power struggles would be detrimental to long-term global stability and justice. Her work emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights as a universal standard, even—and especially—when facing pressure from powerful states. The argument is not that progress will be easy, but that the alternative – a world governed solely by power dynamics – is unacceptable. Wang’s perspective underlines the need for continued advocacy and vigilance in defending human rights globally.