The idea of a critical theory is famous across the world, yet it is today rarely practised as originally conceived by the Frankfurt School. The waning influence of critical theory in the contemporary academy may be due to its lack of engagement with global problems and the postcolonial condition. This book offers the first systematic treatment of the idea of a critical theory of world society, advancing the conversation between critical theory and postcolonial and ecological thought. Malte Frøslee Ibsen develops a reconstruction of the Frankfurt School tradition as four paradigms of critical theory, in original interpretations of the work of Max Horkheimer, Theodor W. Adorno, Jürgen Habermas, and Axel Honneth, and considers how the global context has featured in their work and what might be salvaged for a critical theory of contemporary world society. Along the way, Ibsen advances new interpretations of the relationship between critical theory and justice, the idea of communicative freedom, and three conceptions of power in the Frankfurt School tradition. He further offers extended discussions of two emerging paradigms in the work of Amy Allen and Rainer Forst and argues that a critical theory of world society must combine and integrate a Kantian constructivist approach in a critique of global injustice, as Forst defends, with the reflexive check of a self-problematizing critique of its blind spots and taken-for-granted assumptions regarding the postcolonial condition, as defended by Allen. Finally, Ibsen rethinks the relationship between society and nature in critical theory, with far-reaching normative and methodological implications.

"A school of thought that aims at a philosophically grounded critique of existing forms of structural injustice and social irrationalities can only thrive if it constantly renews itself. Malte Frøslee Ibsen's superb reconstruction of the transformations of Critical Theory since its inception until today elegantly and succinctly discusses the challenges that has to be faced if one takes the complex realities of global structures of domination seriously. A remarkable achievement, moving the debate about transnational justice decisively forward." - Rainer Forst, Professor of Political Theory and Philosophy, Goethe University Frankfurt

"Critical theory has never been more needed, and never more marginalised. In this splendid reconstruction and defence of the Frankfurt school, Malte Frøslee Ibsen evokes the anticapitalist spirit of its origins to explain how its historical analysis, sociological sensitivity and normative insight can help us address the challenges of global society. An essential reading to both reflect on the injustices of the world as a whole and - in Adornian spirit - redeem it." - Lea Ypi, Professor in Political Theory, The London School of Economics and Political Science

"In this excellent book, Ibsen offers a critical reconstruction of the Frankfurt School tradition that is alert to its Eurocentric blindspots and aims to articulate the theoretical basis of a critical theory of global justice that is adequate to contemporary world society. Intellectually rich, philosophical acute and lucidly written, this is a work that should be read by all of those engaged with critical theory broadly conceived, whether within the Frankfurt School tradition or outside of it." - David Owen, Professor of Social and Political Philosophy, University of Southampton