Episteme
Abstract
The author extends Mill’s liberty theory to contemporary international politics, specifically in relation to liberal intervention theory. The author tries to interpret Mill in the spirit of some popular liberal theories, but argues for why such an interpretation, which draws an analogy between the role of an individual and the role of a state’s government, would not be supported by Mill himself. For Mill, the individual is the central moral force, which is not simply in an appeal to prevent against harm toward a particular entity (as with looking-out for one particular nation among many in the international community). Even factoring in Mill’s argument about the Mormon community does not keep Mill from having a relatively wide theory for the acceptability of foreign intervention.
Recommended Citation
Zimmerman, Jill
(2008)
"Forcing Freedom: Applying Mill's Principles of Liberty in an International Society,"
Episteme: Vol. 19, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.denison.edu/episteme/vol19/iss1/3