Apropros of the discussion in my research class, this article illustrates nicely the ‘voluntary’ nature of compliance with IRBs AND that the agreement (legal and moral) to protect human rights in research contexts is a social convention. The US Department of Defence’s disregard for internationally accepted norms is as outrageous as the historical events that lead to the creation of institutional review boards.
This is a nice, heady start to an important international conversation. Good luck!