The Limits of International Society

The previous two chapters claim that equal consideration of interests could function as a minimal principle when theorising equality in international society. It is argued that this involves a widening of the realm of consideration and a broadening of the sphere of deliberation in international society. Based on this contention, an equal treatment principle is formulated that suggests a greater egalitarian commitment and engagement. While this principle is argued to be both possible and preferable to sovereign equality, it remains to be seen to what extent the framework sketched out is consistent with contemporary notions of international society. It is argued throughout the book that in order to be meaningful, concepts of equality have to be related to particular concepts of international society. The purpose of this chapter is to analyse to what extent there is such consistency and what conceptual problems remain to be settled or further developed. This does not, of course, answer all possible questions concerning the practical application and realisation of the framework suggested. Such an ambition implies stretching the task of this book too far. However, the attempt to relate a particular concept of equality to contemporary notions of international society shows how far from any practical account of international relations the framework stands.