While justice has traditionally been theorized primarily within the state, over the past three decades the concept has increasingly been applied to the global sphere. Due to intensified globalization processes, there are more and more problems that affect people in more than one state and/or that can only be solved through international cooperation. One may think of extreme poverty, health inequalities, increased flows of people, exploitative labour conditions or anthropogenic climate change.

In a first step, the course will introduce students to the major philosophical theories of global justice. In a second step, some of the most important specific issues in the field of global justice will be discussed. This implies a critical assessment of the existing legal norms, institutions, and practices in the relevant areas. Examined approaches to global justice include: cosmopolitanism and particularism. Discussed specific issues include: humanitarian intervention, migration and climate change.