Chapter 1 | Page 17 1.3.2 Core thesis arguments This thesis argues that, in order for the fulfilment of ESC rights to play a meaningful role in improving the human condition, these rights must be given more attention in academic and policy circles. This requires a deeper engagement with economics and policy dimensions of the State to better understand underlying factors that affect the realisation of these rights in practice. This position rests on the premise that resource-dependent obligations related to ESC rights can be fully appreciated by integrating macroeconomic, public policy and public finance approaches, which not only provide a robust definitional grounding but also offer insights into the dynamics through which resource mobilisation, allocation and governance decisions are made. In relation to resource mobilisation, the argument is that current interpretations of ‘maximum available resources’ need to be broadened to include potential resources and capacities that the State can assemble through targeted macroeconomic policy options and contributions from the private sector and international partners. This inclusive understanding of ‘resources’ shows that States can significantly enlarge the scope of policy activities in the area of ESC rights and potentially increase the magnitude of resources at its disposition. This approach takes into consideration many practical challenges which States would need to overcome in order to maximise access to these resources and optimise their employment for ESC rights goals. In relation to resource allocation and governance, the study demonstrates that application of public policy and public finance concepts can enhance the quality and impact of resources actually available for ESC rights programmes. The roles of various institutional mechanisms, processes and stakeholders in public policy decision-making relevant to enhancing the quality of resource allocation, utilisation and impact are considered from an ESC rights perspective. The thesis maintains that human rights, as a claim against the State, embody crucial and interacting normative frameworks. As such, the power relations