book1999

The Law of Peoples

Disciplines:

Summary

Rawls's The Law of Peoples (1999) extends liberal political theory to international relations, arguing for a Society of Peoples that includes both liberal and decent non-liberal societies.

Core Contribution

Rawls argues that a just international order does not require all societies to be liberal; 'decent hierarchical' societies that respect basic human rights and allow dissent may be tolerated; the duty of liberal peoples is to assist burdened societies, not to impose liberalism globally.

Key Spikes & Highlights

Decent societies toleration (non-liberal but decent societies — respecting basic rights — may be full members of the Society of Peoples)
No global difference principle (Rawls refuses to extend the difference principle globally — each people manages its own distribution)
Duty of assistance (wealthy liberal peoples owe burdened societies the aid needed to become well-ordered, not permanent redistribution)
Outlaw states and rogue regimes (aggressive regimes that violate human rights forfeit the protections of the Society of Peoples)

Historical Influences

John Rawls

Intellectual Lineage

Rawlsian liberal theory International relations ethics

Allied Works

Political Liberalism A Theory of Justice Justice as Fairness: A Restatement

Contemporaries & Peers

Political Liberalism A Theory of Justice Justice as Fairness: A Restatement

Minds Influenced

No recorded minds influenced.

Intellectual Posterity

Society of Peoples framework Decent hierarchical peoples concept

Discussing