The aim of this paper is to analyse the analytical power Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition can offer to the contemporary discourse on global justice. With the exception of a few notable contributions, the links between Honneth’s theory of recognition and the discourse on global justice are scarce and unsystematic. In order to answer to the objective, the paper introduces the analyses whether the theory of recognition can be understood as a theory of justice (I), presents the elements for a theory of global justice already present in Honneth’s model (II), and brings forward some systemic reasons which make it difficult to understand Honneth’s work in such terms (III). Finally, some elements not explored by the author are proposed that can contribute to a theory of global justice in terms of a theory of the struggle for recognition (IV).