The author re-examines the concept of equality in international society, past and present. The view that equality necessarily flows from sovereignty is considered a contingent rather than a necessary contention. A new framework for equality in international society is sketched out emphasising the normative strength of the principle of equality.

Autorentext
Ronnie Hjorth is Reader of Political Science in the Swedish National Defence College, Stockholm, Sweden. He specialises in international political theory and has recently published in the Review of International Studies and Journal of International Political Theory.

Inhalt
Preface 1. Introduction 2. Concepts, Approaches, Devices PART I: HISTORY: A BACKWARD GLANCE 3. Two Naturalist Theories 4. Hobbes and the Constructivist Theory of Equality 5. Equality and Hierarchy 6. Sovereign Equality and its Discontents Conclusions PART II. THEORY: A FRESH BEGINNING 7. Equality Without Sovereignty 8. A New Framework for Equality 9. The Limits of International Society Conclusions Bibliography