The “planetary interest” is defined in the book by the same title as:

• the interests of the planet, comprising: (1) the survival and viability of humanity, contingent on maintenance of the physical integrity of Earth and the protection of its ecological systems and biosphere from major anthropogenic change; and (2) the universal improvement in the human condition in terms of basic human needs and fundamental human rights.

• the “vital planetary interest” has to do with the survival and viability of humanity, contingent on the maintenance of the physical integrity of Earth and the protection of its ecological systems and biosphere from major anthropogenic change. It would be applied to issues relating to the ‘fundamental health’ of the planet, that is to say, the continuation of the planet in its state of natural equilibrium.

• the “normative planetary interest” would have to do with the universal improvement in the human condition in terms of meeting the basic human needs of each individual and observance of the fundamental human rights of each.  It would be applied to issues concerning the quality of life of all peoples around the world, and implicitly invoke a set of values attributable to the global referent.

• The legitimate national interest is the national interest, and policies deriving from it, of a nation-state which are compatible with, and do not adversely affect, the interests of the planet and humanity as a species -- both current and future generations.

• Legitimate global power is legislative, executive and judicial competence at the global level which is agreed by consensus of all nation-states as in the ‘vital planetary interest’, involving those issues which threaten the survival of humanity and the protection of the planet from major anthropogenic change.