Abstract

Available from UMI in association with The British Library. Requires signed TDF. ;The thesis explores the possible bases for an evolving liberal theory of international ethics by measuring a conception of international ethics bases on the rights of the individual against other theories of ethics based on the rights of the state, the nation, and the class. While individual rights are the traditional liberal starting-point in domestic political theory, in international relations theory, theorists imbue states, nations and classes with rights. The thesis contends that in international relations theory as well, the individual should be the basis of liberal theory. ;The first chapter defends normative theory and sets up a framework of liberal values. The subsequent chapters develop theories of international ethics from each of the four approaches. The theoretical core of each chapter is based on an analysis of the values embodied by the given theory. While recognizing that liberal theory can be strengthened by incorporating elements of the competing theories, this thesis concludes that the individual should serve as a moral standard in a liberal theory of international ethics because theory based on the individual best expresses liberal values