Is world government the answer to pressing global issues such as war, global injustices and environmental problems? Torbjorn Tannsjo presents the case for this idea. The notion of a sovereign world government has been defended in the past by philosophers such as Bertrand Russell and A.C. Ewing, but has been eclipsed by less radical ideas to do with peaceful cooperation between sovereign states or, at most, through systems of shared sovereignty. Tannsjo argues that such solutions cannot be effective; moreover he argues, in response to philosophers such as Kant and Rawls, that not only is a world government necessary if we want to solve pressing global problems, it is desirable in its own right. Short, simple to read, and focusing on the key arguments, Global Democracy is intended for anyone who wants to start to think about political solutions to global problems, putting them into a perspective that deserves to be taken seriously. Global Democracy now features a new preface written by the author in 2014. The author's royalties on sales of this book are being donated to Oxfam.

About the Author
Torbjorn Tannsjo is Kristian Claeson Professor of Practical Philosophy at Stockholm University. He is author of several books including Global Democracy (EUP, 2008), Conservatism for Our Time (1990), Populist Democracy (1993), Hedonistic Utilitarianism (1998) and Understanding Ethics (2002).

Reviews
'Democratisation must take place at all levels of human society - local, national, regional and global. Torbjorn Tannsjo's book is a contribution to the globalisation of democratisation.' -- Boutros Boutros-Ghali 'The argument is direct, simple (without being simple-minded), and shows how crucially world government affects what we say about global justice, environmental problems, and war. Tannsjo says strikingly, comprehensively, and in a manner that any literate person could grasp, vital things about these matters.'-- Professor Kai Nielsen, Concordia University, Quebec



Book Information
ISBN 9780748634996
Author Torbjorn Tannsjo
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press
Weight(grams) 220g