Discussion Paper - Harvard Project on Climate Agreements, Belfer Center

International Paretianism: A Defense

    Authors:
  • Eric A. Posner
  • David Weisbach
| July 2012

Abstract

A treaty satisfies what we call International Paretianism if it advances the interests of all states that join it, so that no state is made worse off. The principle might seem obvious, but it rules out nearly all the major proposals for a climate treaty, including proposals advanced by academics and by government officials. We defend International Paretianism, and for that reason urge commentators in the debate over climate justice to abandon efforts to right past wrongs, redistribute wealth, and achieve other abstract ideals through a climate treaty.

Downloads

For more information on this publication: Please contact Harvard Project on Climate Agreements
For Academic Citation: Posner, Eric A. and David Weisbach. “International Paretianism: A Defense.” Discussion Paper, 2012-52, Harvard Project on Climate Agreements, Belfer Center, July 2012.

The Authors

Eric A. Posner

David Weisbach

Recommended
In the Spotlight
RSS
A detailed look at China’s development of a hydrogen bomb in fewer than three years, quicker than all other initial nuclear weapons states.
'New Cold Wars' are “more complex, more dangerous than the old one, because China and Russia are teaming up together.”
While U.S. media reports blame Iran and its drone attacks for “pouring gasoline on a region that is already in flames,” there's a lot more to the story, and “most of it reflects poorly on the United States.”
Most Viewed

Tags