Sovereignty, Rights and Justice

Sovereignty, Rights and Justice surveys the relationship between international relations theory and political theory, demonstrating how these two discourses, once considered separate, are now intertwined.

The first part of the book offers a historical overview of international political theory concerning the 'Westphalia System'. It provides brief accounts of the law of nations and the notion of an 'international society', along with an examination of international thought during the Enlightenment and the nineteenth-century industrial society.

The exploration continues with an analysis of international theory in the twentieth century, leading into a discussion of some key issues in late-twentieth-century international relations. These include the rights of political communities, the ethics of force in international relations, human rights, humanitarian intervention, global social justice, and the moral relevance of borders. It also touches on cultural diversity and the 'Asian values' debate.

In the final chapters, the impact of globalisation on all these issues is thoroughly examined.

This book provides an accessible introduction to one of the most significant areas of contemporary political theory, with a foundation firmly rooted in the analysis of real-world problems.