Promoting Justice across Borders: The Ethics of Reform Intervention

Lucia Rafanelli, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at the Elliott School and Alyssa Ayres, Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, discuss Rafanelli’s new book,Promoting Justice Across Borders: The Ethics of Reform Intervention.

About the Book

Global political actors, from states and NGOs to activist groups and individuals, exert influence in societies beyond their own in myriad ways-including via public criticism, consumer boycotts, divestment campaigns, sanctions, and forceful intervention. Often, they do so in the name of justice-promotion. While attempts to promote justice in other societies can do good, they are also often subject to moral criticism and raise several serious moral questions. For example, are there ways to promote one’s own ideas about justice in another society while still treating its members tolerantly? Are there ways to do so without disrespecting their legitimate political institutions or undermining their collective self-determination? Promoting Justice Across Borders: The Ethics of Reform Intervention aims to tackle these questions.