This article examines the debate between liberalism and communitarianism incontemporary political philosophy and considers its significance for international relations.The debate tends to pose a false dichotomy between liberalism and communitarianism, andneither position alone can provide an adequate basis for international relations theory. It isnecessary to go beyond the liberal-communitarian divide in order to reconcile the valuableinsights that may be rescued from both positions. There is a community which is a moralreality, which includes all individuals and maintains their moral integrity, and which canaccommodate all legitimate, smaller communities. This is the community of humanity, whichis recognized in traditional theories of natural law and the law of nations. The articleconcludes by considering whether the universal community of humanity requires and justifiesworld government.