Theories of ethics in International Relations

Ethics in International Relations helps in a globalized world without geographical boundaries by: 

• Bringing fairness to the world economic order
• Establishing justice through global institutions such as the UN and ICJ
• Striving to remove poverty, destitution, inequality, and prevent genocides and crimes against humanity
• Following humanitarian ethics and setting rules of exchange between nations
• Ensuring that relationships between individuals and nations are founded upon the principles of democracy and justice
• Including debates and areas such as social justice, human rights, caring for the environment across national borders, social responsibility and accountability, and interdependence gained through an encompassing world view.

Theories of ethics in International Relations

Theoretical approaches are necessary to comprehend International Relations and the evolution of ethics within it. Some of the primary theories include:

• Realism: Realists believe that state behavior is governed by interests, not universal moral principles. Politics is viewed as an autonomous sphere, separate from economics and personal morality.
• Liberalism: This theory has four major constituents. It gives moral primacy to the individual over any claims of society, confers the same moral status on all humans (egalitarian), affirms the moral unity of the human species (universalist), and believes in the corrigibility and improvability of all institutions and political arrangements (meliorist).
• Cosmopolitanism: This theory asserts that all human beings have equal moral standing within and belong to a single global community. It urges international politics to prioritize the interest, rights, or welfare of individuals regardless of where they reside, rather than the interests of states.

These theories serve as guiding principles behind the foreign policies of nations.

Ethical Issues In International Relations In The Present Times

International Relations is now increasingly governed by normative and ethical concerns, with nations acknowledging that there are important issues that extend beyond national boundaries. In this context, several key ethical concerns have emerged that are critical to understanding the dynamics of international relations. Some of the most significant ethical concerns in this realm include:

Human rights: This encompasses a wide range of issues related to the protection of basic human rights, such as freedom of expression, political participation, and access to education and healthcare. Nations are expected to respect and protect these fundamental rights both within their own borders and in their interactions with other nations.

Environmental sustainability: The health of the planet is an issue that affects all nations, and there is growing recognition that preserving the environment is an ethical imperative. Nations are expected to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment and to work together to address global environmental challenges such as climate change and pollution.

Social justice: The equitable distribution of resources and opportunities is a central ethical concern in International Relations. Nations are expected to work towards creating a more just and equitable world, where resources are distributed fairly and all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Humanitarian intervention: When nations engage in actions that threaten the lives or well-being of individuals in other nations, there is a growing recognition that the international community has a responsibility to intervene. This can take many forms, from diplomatic pressure to military intervention, and is intended to protect human rights and prevent human suffering.

1. Climate Change and Ethics

Climate change has become one of the most pressing ethical concerns in International Relations. It is a complex global issue that affects the entire planet, and it raises a number of ethical questions that nations must grapple with. Some of the key ethical dimensions of climate change include:

Responsibility: Climate change is largely the result of human activity, and some nations and individuals have contributed more to the problem than others. This raises questions of responsibility: who is responsible for addressing the problem, and who should bear the costs of doing so? Some argue that developed nations have a greater responsibility to address climate change, since they have historically contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions.

Inter-generational justice: Climate change will have a profound impact on future generations, who will inherit a world that is significantly different from the one we know today. This raises questions of intergenerational justice: are we doing enough to ensure that future generations have access to the resources and opportunities they will need to thrive? Some argue that we have a moral obligation to take action on climate change in order to protect the interests of future generations.

Environmental justice: Climate change will also disproportionately affect marginalized communities, who are often the most vulnerable to its impacts. This raises questions of environmental justice: are we doing enough to ensure that the costs and benefits of addressing climate change are distributed fairly? Some argue that we have a moral obligation to take action on climate change in order to protect the interests of these communities.

Shared responsibility: Climate change is a global problem that requires a collective response. This raises questions of shared responsibility: are we doing enough to work together as a global community to address the problem? Some argue that we have a moral obligation to take action on climate change in order to protect the interests of all nations and individuals, and to ensure that we leave behind a livable planet for future generations.

2. Global Poverty and Inequality

Global poverty and inequality are complex issues that raise a range of ethical concerns. Here are some of the key ethical issues related to global poverty and inequality:

• Distributive justice: Distributive justice is concerned with the fair distribution of resources, goods, and services. Global poverty and inequality raise concerns about how resources are distributed globally, and whether the current distribution is fair. Some argue that the current global economic system favors developed countries and leaves developing countries with fewer resources.
• Basic human rights: Poverty and inequality can prevent people from accessing basic human rights, such as adequate food, shelter, and healthcare. This raises ethical concerns about how we can ensure that everyone has access to these fundamental rights.
• Responsibility: There is a debate about who is responsible for addressing global poverty and inequality. Some argue that wealthy countries and individuals have a moral obligation to help those in need, while others argue that poverty is the responsibility of the affected countries and individuals.
• Exploitation: Global poverty and inequality can lead to the exploitation of vulnerable populations, including workers, women, and children. This raises ethical concerns about how we can ensure that people are not exploited for the benefit of others.
• Climate change: Climate change disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized, and it raises ethical concerns about our responsibility to address the root causes of climate change and to help those who are most affected by it.
• Cultural imperialism: Some argue that efforts to alleviate global poverty and inequality can be culturally imperialistic, imposing Western values and systems on other cultures. This raises ethical concerns about how we can respect cultural diversity while still working to address poverty and inequality.
• International aid: International aid can be a controversial issue, raising ethical concerns about how it should be distributed and how it can be used to support sustainable development rather than perpetuating dependency.

These are just a few of the ethical issues related to global poverty and inequality. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced understanding of the complexities of poverty and inequality, as well as a commitment to finding sustainable solutions that promote social justice and human rights.

The United Nations (UN) has highlighted ethical issues related to global poverty and inequality in various reports and documents.

1. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize that poverty and inequality are major ethical issues that require urgent attention. The SDGs call for action to reduce poverty and inequality, promote social justice, and ensure that no one is left behind.
2. The UN Human Rights Council has highlighted the need to address economic inequality as a human rights issue. Economic inequality can prevent people from accessing basic human rights, such as healthcare, education, and housing, and can lead to social exclusion and marginalization.
3. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has emphasized the need to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, rather than just treating the symptoms. This requires addressing structural inequalities and power imbalances that perpetuate poverty and exclusion.
4. The UNDP has also highlighted the need to prioritize the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, such as women, children, and ethnic minorities. This requires recognizing and addressing intersectional inequalities and ensuring that policies and interventions are tailored to the specific needs of different groups.
5. The UN has called for a more equitable and sustainable global economic system that prioritizes social and environmental justice. This requires addressing issues such as tax evasion, corruption, and unsustainable consumption patterns, and ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and benefits everyone, not just the wealthy few.

3. Terrorism

Terrorism refers to the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political, religious, or ideological goals. It is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that raises a range of ethical issues, including questions about the legitimacy of violence as a means of achieving political ends, the impact of terrorism on innocent civilians, and the tension between security and civil liberties.

Terrorism raises a number of complex ethical issues, including:

• Violation of human rights: Terrorist attacks often result in the violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to life, the right to security, and the right to freedom of expression. Acts of terrorism can also lead to the erosion of civil liberties, as governments may respond with increased surveillance and restrictions on individual freedoms.
• Targeting innocent civilians: Terrorists frequently target innocent civilians in their attacks, leading to the loss of innocent lives and widespread suffering. This raises ethical concerns about the indiscriminate use of violence against non-combatants.
• Justification of violence: Terrorists may justify their actions on the basis of political or religious beliefs, leading to a situation where the ends are seen to justify the means. This raises ethical questions about the use of violence as a means of achieving political or ideological goals.
• International response: The response of the international community to acts of terrorism raises ethical issues related to the use of military force, the protection of human rights, and the balance between security and individual freedoms. Governments may respond with military action, economic sanctions, or increased surveillance, all of which have ethical implications.
• Media representation: The media’s coverage of terrorist attacks raises ethical issues related to the representation of events, the use of graphic images, and the potential for sensationalism. Media outlets may be accused of promoting fear and anxiety among the public, or of giving terrorists a platform for their message.

Some recent examples of terrorist attacks include:

• The 2021 Kabul airport attack, in which a suicide bombing by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) killed more than 170 people, including 13 US soldiers.
• The 2020 Vienna terrorist attack, in which a lone gunman affiliated with ISIS killed four people and injured 23 others in a shooting spree in the Austrian capital.
• The 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings, in which a series of suicide bombings carried out by Islamist extremists targeted churches and hotels, killing more than 250 people and injuring hundreds more.
• The 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, in which a far-right extremist opened fire at two mosques in New Zealand, killing 51 people and injuring dozens more.

These recent events illustrate the devastating impact of terrorism on innocent civilians, and the challenges faced by governments and international organizations in preventing and responding to these attacks.

4. Refugee Crisis

The refugee crisis is a global humanitarian issue that involves large numbers of people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other forms of violence or oppression. The crisis affects millions of people around the world and has significant economic, political, and social implications.

Some of the key issues involved in the refugee crisis include:

• Access to protection: Many refugees are unable to access the protection they need due to lack of legal status, inadequate legal frameworks, or restrictive policies that prevent them from accessing essential services.
• Access to basic needs: Refugees often face challenges in accessing basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare, which can lead to poor living conditions and health outcomes.
• Integration and inclusion: Many refugees struggle to integrate and become part of the host community, often facing discrimination, social exclusion, and difficulties in accessing education and employment opportunities.
• Legal and administrative barriers: Many refugees face legal and administrative barriers that prevent them from accessing basic rights and services, such as the right to work or access to healthcare.
• Funding and resources: The refugee crisis requires significant resources to support the needs of refugees, including funding for humanitarian assistance, infrastructure, and education programs.
• Political instability: The refugee crisis can contribute to political instability in host countries, as well as in the countries from which refugees are fleeing, and can exacerbate existing conflicts.
• Security concerns: The refugee crisis can raise security concerns in host countries, particularly if refugees are perceived as a threat to national security or if they are vulnerable to exploitation by criminal or terrorist groups.

There are several refugee crises that the world faces today

1. Syrian Refugee Crisis: The Syrian refugee crisis began in 2011 as a result of the Syrian Civil War. It has since become one of the largest refugee crises in the world, with over 6 million Syrians displaced internally and over 5.6 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Many refugees face challenges in accessing basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare, and they also face legal and administrative barriers that prevent them from accessing basic rights and services. There are also concerns about the security risks associated with the crisis. World leaders have called for greater support for refugees, and some countries have pledged to provide humanitarian assistance and support for host communities. However, there have also been political debates about the role of refugees in national security and immigration policies.

• German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for solidarity and responsibility-sharing among European Union (EU) member states in addressing the crisis, and has advocated for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of displacement.
• Former US President Barack Obama called on the international community to provide humanitarian assistance and support for refugees, and also urged countries to accept more refugees and to combat discrimination and xenophobia against them.

Rohingya Refugee Crisis: The Rohingya refugee crisis began in 2017, when over 700,000 Rohingya refugees fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh to escape persecution and violence. The crisis has been characterized by allegations of human rights abuses, including mass killings, rape, and forced displacement. The ethical issues involved include the right to asylum, the protection of human rights, and the responsibility to protect populations from atrocities. World leaders have condemned the human rights abuses and called for increased support for refugees, but there have also been concerns about the lack of accountability for those responsible for the abuses.

• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the human rights abuses in Myanmar and has called for increased support for refugees, including through increased humanitarian assistance and resettlement opportunities.
• British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on the Myanmar government to take action to address the crisis and to provide greater access to humanitarian assistance for those affected by it.

3. Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: The Venezuelan refugee crisis began in 2014 as a result of political and economic instability in the country. Over 5 million Venezuelans have fled the country, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. The ethical issues involved include the right to asylum, the protection of human rights, and the responsibility of the international community to support countries hosting large numbers of refugees. World leaders have called for increased support for refugees and host communities, but there have also been concerns about the impact of the crisis on regional stability and security.

• Colombian President Ivan Duque has called for greater international support to address the crisis, including through increased humanitarian assistance and support for host communities.
• US Vice President Kamala Harris has called on the international community to work together to address the crisis and to provide support for refugees and host communities, and has also emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to the political and economic challenges facing Venezuela.

The UNHRC recognizes that refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world, and that they have a right to protection and assistance.

The UNHRC has called on governments around the world to uphold their obligations under international law to protect the rights of refugees, including the right to seek asylum and the right to non-refoulement (the principle that refugees should not be returned to a country where they face persecution). It has called for greater international cooperation and solidarity to address the refugee crisis, including increased support for host countries and communities that are hosting large numbers of refugees.

It has also expressed concern about the conditions faced by refugees in many parts of the world, including inadequate access to basic needs such as food, water, and healthcare, and the lack of opportunities for education and employment. Moreover, has highlighted the need for greater efforts to promote the integration and inclusion of refugees in host communities, and to combat discrimination and xenophobia against refugees. Hence, it has called for increased efforts to address the root causes of displacement, including conflict, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation.

5. COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised a number of ethical issues at the individual, community, and global levels. Here are some of the key ethical issues:

• Access to healthcare: The pandemic has highlighted inequalities in access to healthcare, both within and between countries. There have been concerns about the ability of health systems to provide care for all those in need, as well as questions about the distribution of limited resources such as personal protective equipment and vaccines.
• Protection of vulnerable populations: The pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations such as the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and low-income communities. There have been concerns about the adequacy of measures to protect these populations, including access to healthcare and support services.
• Privacy and surveillance: There have been debates about the use of digital technologies for contact tracing and monitoring of individuals’ movements during the pandemic, with concerns about the balance between privacy and public health needs.
• Economic impact: The pandemic has had a significant impact on economies around the world, with widespread job losses and economic hardship. There have been debates about the ethical implications of measures such as lockdowns and business closures, and questions about the responsibility of governments and businesses to support those affected.
• Scientific research: The pandemic has raised ethical questions about the speed and safety of scientific research, including vaccine development, and the role of scientific expertise in shaping public health policy.

World leaders and international organizations have emphasized the importance of addressing these ethical issues in the response to the pandemic, including through measures to ensure equitable access to healthcare, protection of vulnerable populations, and support for those affected by economic hardship. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the importance of upholding ethical principles in the response to the pandemic, including respect for human rights, transparency, and solidarity.