Economic Justice in an Unfair World

In charting a politically feasible course toward a fairer world economy, Kapstein demonstrates that a better future is within our grasp. This is must reading for all those concerned with economic development and international economic relations. -- Nancy Birdsall, president of the Center for Global Development A clear, accessible, and first-rate contribution to the debates surrounding fairness in the global economy and ethics in international affairs. -- Michael Barnett, University of Minnesota The globalizing economy is offering exciting opportunities to some, but that is little comfort to the millions who are sinking ever deeper into poverty. What should the wealthy world do? Ethan Kapstein offers an answer that combines a powerful critique of ideas about international justice and a hard-headed alternative solution. -- Ngaire Woods, Oxford University For many years the development community has been making the humanitarian case for increases in foreign aid and for public policies that target global poverty reduction. Now in this important book, Ethan Kapstein demonstrates that these measures are also in the self-interest of the world's most powerful nations. In charting a politically feasible course toward a fairer world economy, Kapstein demonstrates that a better future is within our grasp. This is must reading for all those concerned with economic development and international economic relations. -- Nancy Birdsall, President, Center for Global Development

Argues that a just international economy would be one that is inclusive, participatory, and welfare-enhancing for all states. This book asserts that a politically feasible approach to international economic justice would emphasize free trade and limited flows of foreign assistance in order to help countries exercise their comparative advantage.Recent years have seen a growing number of activists, scholars, and even policymakers claiming that the global economy is unfair and unjust, particularly to developing countries and the poor within them. But what would a fair or just global economy look like? Economic Justice in an Unfair World seeks to answer that question by presenting a bold and provocative argument that emphasizes economic relations among states. The book provides a market-oriented focus, arguing that a just international economy would be one that is inclusive, participatory, and welfare-enhancing for all states. Rejecting radical redistribution schemes between rich and poor, Ethan Kapstein asserts that a politically feasible approach to international economic justice would emphasize free trade and limited flows of foreign assistance in order to help countries exercise their comparative advantage. Kapstein also addresses justice in labor, migration, and investment, in each case defending an approach that concentrates on nation-states and their unique social compacts. Clearly written for all those with a stake in contemporary debates over poverty reduction and development, the book provides a breakthrough analysis of what the international community can reasonably do to build a global economy that works to the advantage of every nation.