Definition of Global Justice
Global justice: Fairness and right relationships at international level; concern with global inequality and how nations should relate.
Questions:
- How should resources be distributed globally?
- What duties do wealthy nations have to poor?
- How to address global inequality?
- What is just international order?
International Relations Theories
Realism
Core assumptions:
- States are primary actors
- International anarchy (no world government)
- States pursue power and national interest
- Conflict is natural
- Morality limited in international affairs
Implications:
- Countries should prioritize national interest
- Arms race and balance of power
- Cooperation difficult without enforcement
- International law weak
Criticism: Ignores cooperation, morality, justice; too pessimistic
Liberalism
Core assumptions:
- Cooperation possible through institutions
- International law and norms matter
- Democratic states less likely to war
- Economic interdependence reduces conflict
- Shared values enable cooperation
Implications:
- International organizations promote cooperation
- International law binding
- Democracy and free trade lead to peace
- Collective security possible
Criticism: Overestimates cooperation potential; ignores power
Constructivism
Core assumption:
- International relations socially constructed
- Ideas and identities matter
- Interests not fixed; shaped by interactions
- Change possible through new understanding
Implications:
- Beliefs shape behavior
- Cooperation based on shared identity
- Change in thinking can change relations
- Knowledge and discourse matter
Global Inequality and Justice
Global Inequality Facts
Wealth gap:
- Richest 10% own ~90% of global wealth
- Poorest 50% own ~1% of global wealth
- Gap between rich and poor countries huge
Development gaps:
- Infant mortality: 50x higher in poor countries
- Literacy: Millions of children not in school
- Healthcare: Lack of basic services in poor regions
- Infrastructure: Roads, electricity absent in poorest areas
Causes of Global Inequality
Historical:
- Colonial exploitation (extraction of resources, cheap labor)
- Slavery and forced labor
- Unequal trade relationships
Contemporary:
- Unfair trade rules (favor wealthy countries)
- Debt trap (poor countries in debt to rich)
- Capital flows to wealthy
- Technology gaps
- Education gaps
- Government corruption
Justice Perspectives on Global Inequality
Utilitarian: Reducing global inequality increases overall welfare (extra dollar to poor worth more)
Egalitarian: Global inequality unjust; significant wealth redistribution needed
Libertarian: Redistribution violates property rights; minimize coercion
Rawlsian: Global difference principle - inequalities acceptable if benefit worst-off globally
Capabilities approach: Ensure global basic capabilities for all
The Right to Development
Definition: Collective right of peoples and individuals to development
Proclaimed: UN Declaration on Right to Development (1986)
Includes:
- Economic development
- Social development
- Self-determination
- Control over resources
Questions:
- Can wealthy countries demand development from poor?
- Can corporations control resources?
- Is environment subordinate to development?
- What kind of development?