This book critically appraises the European Convention on Human Rights at a time of considerable change. It argues that the Convention's core functions have subtly changed, particularly since the ending of the Cold War, and that these are now to articulate an'abstract constitutional model'for the entire continent and to promote convergence in the operation of public institutions at every level of governance. The implications - from national compliance to European international relations - are explored, and proposals offered for meeting old and new challenges.