Read more
Cosmopolitan conceptions of justice in global politics are gaining in importance in the field of international political theory. Cosmopolitanism claims that we owe duties of justice to all the persons of the world and thus that normative theories of global politics should focus first on the interests or welfare of persons rather than of states. Providing a thorough analysis of relevant literature and covering issues such as war and conflict, peace and human security, accountability for gross violations of human rights, environmental degradation, and the democratic deficit in transnational political actions and institutions, Patrick Hayden deftly examines the connections between accounts of cosmopolitanism and the part they play in contemporary global politics. He identifies competing theories of cosmopolitanism and defends them as strategies for serving the aims of justice in world affairs. Furthermore, he explores how cosmopolitan theories can function positively in processes of shaping international norms.
List of contents
Contents: Introduction; The meaning of cosmopolitanism: themes and variations; Human rights and the foundation of cosmopolitan global politics; War, peace, and the transformation of security; Cosmopolitan justice and accountability for crimes against humanity; The Environment, global justice and world environment citizenship; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.
About the author
Dr Patrick Hayden, School of International Relations, University of St Andrews, UK
Summary
Providing a thorough analysis of relevant literature and covering numerous key issues, Patrick Hayden deftly examines the connections between accounts of cosmopolitanism and the part they play in contemporary global politics. He explores how cosmopolitan theories can function positively in processes of shaping international norms.
Additional text
'Essential reading for any student or researcher seeking a comprehensive and elegantly lucid guide through the maze of issues that make up cosmopolitan politics. Criticisms of cosmopolitan theorizing are sympathetically aired and cogently dismissed, leaving the reader in no doubt as to the degree to which political thinking today must necessarily be global in context and content.' Mark Evans, University of Wales, Swansea, UK 'A remarkable critique of contemporary politics. And, at the same time, a dream for a better world written in the rigorous language of political theory.' Professor Daniele Archibugi, Italian National Research Council and Harvard University, USA 'Hayden has written a timely book dealing with a global ethical position about cosmopolitan values. But it is more than that, as his book presents a number of practical manifestations of this ethical position. Cosmopolitan Global Politics is a clear analysis of the ethical thinking surrounding a contemporary version of global justice that delivers "real" solutions to the problem of justice beyond nation states.' Political Studies Review
