Reparations as a Rightful Share: From Universalism to Redress in Distributive Justice

The distribution of resources through an unconditional, universal mechanism (such as a universal basic income) recognizes the shared origins of wealth created by past generations and built out of the commons. Yet some groups have lost and suffered far more than others during the process of production and wealth creation, due to colonization, slavery and expropriation. This article argues that calls for reparations are an important caveat to the universalist case for distributive justice. It does so by examining three cases for reparations: reparations for slavery, for transnational inequalities generated by European colonization, and for the dispossession of Indigenous peoples by settler colonialism. The authors put these three cases in dialogue with the argument for universalist (re)distribution, in particular the contention that a universal but redistributory rightful share could act as redress for the unjust expropriation and wealth accumulation of capitalism. This article thus demarcates the overlaps and tensions between reparatory justice and distributory justice, underscoring both the intersection and the friction between calls for redistribution on universal lines and variegated forms of redistribution plus recognition

Human Dynamics of Automation and Digitalisation of Economies : Discussion on the Challenges and Opportunities

AbstractThis chapter addresses the automation and digitalisation of the economies by specifically focusing on their influences on humans—primarily employed workers. Initially, this chapter highlights trends in this regard by specifically referring to artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and three-dimensional (3-D) manufacturing. This is followed by a specific discussion on the people-specific challenges—especially concerning the job losses in Europe. We also use publicly available statistics to complement the arguments presented in this concern. After this, our chapter discusses the opportunities for humans emanating through these technological advancements. We highlight new work and entrepreneurial possibilities that are emerging as a result of these advancements. Finally, this chapter also refers to the new skill set need that will allow individuals to take advantage of these opportunities.Abstract This chapter addresses the automation and digitalisation of the economies by specifically focusing on their influences on humans—primarily employed workers. Initially, this chapter highlights trends in this regard by specifically referring to artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and three-dimensional (3-D) manufacturing. This is followed by a specific discussion on the people-specific challenges—especially concerning the job losses in Europe. We also use publicly available statistics to complement the arguments presented in this concern. After this, our chapter discusses the opportunities for humans emanating through these technological advancements. We highlight new work and entrepreneurial possibilities that are emerging as a result of these advancements. Finally, this chapter also refers to the new skill set need that will allow individuals to take advantage of these opportunities

Civil society knowledge networks: how international development institutions reshape the geography of knowledge

What role have the processes and institutions of international development played in creating and propagating ideas around the world? This paper demonstrates that networks of development-focused civil society institutions can form global epistemic bridges even where communication technology, global markets, infrastructure, or state services do not reach. Given the penetration of these ‘civil society knowledge networks’ throughout the world, it is crucial to understand how these networks form, and how they create and spread ideas, mediating between global discourses and local needs. This paper builds on a multi-sited case study of one such civil society knowledge network, which includes an international foundation, its partner non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kenya, and one village where these NGOs run a forest conservation project. The case study provides a closely textured analysis of the mechanisms of knowledge production and consumption in the network, including personality politics, language, technology, political connections and the power dynamics of knowledge flows. It demonstrates the ways remoteness and disconnection are overcome through the epistemic reach of institutional networks involved in development interventions