Justice within Borders versus Justice without Borders

Abstract

This article intends to study two contrasting notions: borders and beyond the borders in relation to the issue of justice. Formation of a just society is possible with abolition of practice of the concept of partiality or discrimination of any sort. The central claim of this article is that cosmopolitan justice has a reverse relation to nationalist justice; the former is the justice without borders whereas the latter is the justice within borders. Justice presents a conception of just society that humans desire to achieve. Justice can be perceived in two different scenarios: justice in nationalism and justice in cosmopolitanism. Justice in nationalism is justice within borders whereas cosmopolitan justice is Justice without borders. This article discusses how cosmopolitan justice can transcend the borders of time and space of nationalism and how it creates and maintains cosmopolitan egalitarian commitments. It also discusses on how nationalist justice creates borders and considers the compatriots closer, bearing the feeling of special ties, obligations and commitments. Cosmopolitanism - an ideal - emphasizing on humanity and individualism, does not believe in the partial justice; it focuses in equality and impartiality. Justice, in nationalism, is quite differently understood and applied. Nationalism creates borders between the compatriots and non-compatriots and concern and treatment to the compatriots is nearer and dearer to non-compatriots.