In the currently fragmented world, there is a pushback against the universality and indivisibility of human rights and democracies are facing erosion. Mandated by the EU Treaties, the European Union is strongly committed to promoting and protecting human rights and democracy worldwide. The course will cover both theory and practice of the EU’s promotion of human rights and democracies, whether in the context of its European accession countries or African, Asian, or Latin American partner countries. We will explore the EU’s action in terms of fostering the rights of women, children, and minorities across the world, as well as specific policies to abolish the death penalty, torture and human trafficking. We will also examine the various EU policies inherent to democracy assistance beyond its borders, including support for institutions, political parties, and civil society, transparency and active citizenship.