Kenneth Roth, Fmr Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, on safety for activists in Chicago and more

In my conversation with Kenneth Roth—longtime head of Human Rights Watch and one of the most influential voices in global human rights—we dive into the heart of the Chicago activist scenes and connect it to broader patterns of political repression in the U.S. Roth brings a sharp, global perspective to local struggles, unpacking how police abuses, protest suppression, and authoritarian tactics that intensified under the Trump administration mirror the very patterns he’s fought around the world. With his deep knowledge and decades of experience, Roth offers insight into how Chicago organizers fit into the global fight for justice—and what it will take to resist rising repression at home. This is a rare, urgent, and energizing conversation for anyone serious about movement work, accountability, and human rights.

Background on Kenneth: Kenneth Roth is a leading American human rights advocate and attorney best known for his nearly 30-year tenure as Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, where he expanded the organization’s reach from a modest staff of 60 to over 550, conducting investigations in more than 100 countries. Born in Illinois to a Jewish refugee father, Roth earned his JD from Yale and began his career as a federal prosecutor before joining HRW in 1987. Under his leadership, the organization played pivotal roles in landmark human rights advancements, including the landmine ban campaign and the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Roth is also known for confronting powerful governments, including being barred from Egypt and China after criticizing their abuses. Though widely respected, he has faced criticism—particularly over HRW’s positions on Israel—which drew controversy when Harvard initially blocked a fellowship offer, later reversed under pressure. Since stepping down in 2022, Roth has taken on academic roles, including at Princeton, and published a memoir, Righting Wrongs, reflecting on decades of advocacy and offering guidance for confronting authoritarianism and defending human dignity today.