Global Inequality

Inequalities exist in all societies, and the four social contract theorists under discussion here attempt to address this issue to some extent. However, given the prevailing global order at the time each was writing, it is unsurprising that none questions the responsibilities citizens of one state have in alleviating poverty in another state. This issue will be examined here. Among the theories being analysed, Locke’s theory of property rights is the most developed. Therefore, this chapter will examine whether we can establish a consistent theory of international distributive justice based on Locke’s notions of fairness in distributing resources within a state and his views on the relationships between states in the international state of nature.