Nousland

Theories of International Justice: An East Asian Perspective Dr. Baogang He (East Asian Institute, the National University of Singapore)

At least five major theories of international or global justice can be identified.  First, the utility-based approach stresses mutual benefit or reciprocity and sees international justice located solely in the regulation of relationships between states. The second is a rights-based approach, which stipulates the applicability of universal human rights to all states and societies. Third, we can identify an equality-based approach, which takes redistribution seriously and attempts to address practically the unequal distribution of wealth, income, resources, risks and burdens in the world.  The fourth one is the capacities approach, which begins with a conception of the individual as a social animal deserving of dignity and moves on to design an adequate conception of full and equal citizenship that embraces the mentally disabled as well as other worldwide disadvantaged groups. Finally, there is the pluralist approach, which rejects any single, unified notion of international justice in favor of a complex, community-based conception, which emphasizes difference as the key element of international justice.

This paper offers a critical analysis of these five approaches to international justice.  By examining them in real political contexts, it aims to clarify their essential elements and evaluate their respective strengths and limitations. It also attempts to outline a local approach to international justice by analyzing East Asian attitudes towards global justice and addressing problems associated with this approach.