Syllabus
GS Paper IV – Ethical Issues in International Relations
Context
Increasing Calls for Global Ethics Amid Diverse Perspectives
International Ethics
Introduction
International ethics examines the moral principles that guide interactions among nations, non-state actors, and international organizations. It grapples with complex questions related to justice, human rights, and global responsibility. Key areas of concern include the ethical use of military force, economic relations, and environmental stewardship. As we navigate an interconnected world, understanding and addressing these ethical challenges becomes crucial for promoting peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Sources of International Ethics
- International Law:
- Legal frameworks established through treaties, conventions, and agreements shape ethical standards.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals.
- Universal Moral Principles:
- Certain ethical principles are universally applicable, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
- These include respect for human dignity and the principle of non-discrimination.
- Religious and Philosophical Traditions:
- Concepts from religious and philosophical traditions influence international ethical discussions.
- Examples include the “just war” concept in Christian ethics and the principle of “ahimsa” (non-violence) in Hinduism and Jainism.
- International Institutions:
- Organizations like the United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies promote ethical behavior among nations.
- The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals exemplify global ethical aspirations.
- Ethical Foreign Policy:
- Initiatives like India’s Vaccine Maitri demonstrate benevolence and compassion by providing COVID-19 vaccines to countries in need.
- Global Public Opinion:
- Public opinion and civil society movements pressure governments and international actors to act ethically.
- Examples include campaigns for climate action and fair trade practices.
- Academic Discourse:
- Ethical debates among scholars, philosophers, and researchers contribute to shaping international ethics.
- Academic institutions and think tanks provide platforms for discussing and refining ethical frameworks.
Major ethical issues
- Human Rights:
- Universal vs. Cultural Relativism: The ongoing debate about whether human rights apply universally or should be interpreted within cultural contexts.
- Intervention: Ethical considerations surrounding humanitarian intervention versus respecting state sovereignty.
- War and Peace:
- Just War Theory: Criteria for justifying war initiation and conduct.
- War Crimes and Accountability: Responsibilities and mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable (e.g., International Criminal Court).
- Global Inequality:
- Economic Justice: Ethical implications of global economic disparities and the duty of wealthier nations to assist poorer ones.
- Debt Relief: Moral arguments for and against forgiving debts in developing countries.
- Environmental Ethics:
- Climate Change: Responsibilities of nations, especially developed ones, in addressing climate change and its impact on vulnerable populations.
- Resource Distribution: Ethical issues related to equitable distribution of natural resources.
- Sovereignty vs. Intervention:
- State Sovereignty: Balancing respect for national sovereignty with moral imperatives (e.g., preventing genocide).
- Responsibility to Protect (R2P): The principle that states must safeguard their populations from mass atrocities, with international community involvement when states fail.
- Migration and Refugees:
- Rights of Migrants: Ethical treatment of migrants and refugees, along with countries’ responsibilities to provide asylum.
- Border Control: Navigating national security while ensuring humane treatment for those seeking to cross borders.
- Democratic Deficit: The ethical implications of inadequate democratic representation in international organizations like the United Nations or the World Bank.
- Power Imbalances: Addressing disparities in power between nations within international institutions.
- Trade and Economic Policies:
- Fair Trade: Examining the ethics of trade policies that may exploit workers in developing countries.
- Sanctions: Considering the moral impact of economic sanctions on civilian populations.
- Technological and Scientific Advances:
- Cyber Ethics: Ethical issues related to cyber warfare, espionage, and digital privacy.
- Biotechnology: International implications of biotechnological advances, including ethical concerns about bioengineering and genetic modification.
- Cultural Exchange and Influence:
- Cultural Imperialism: Ethical concerns regarding the imposition of one culture’s values and practices on another.
- Cultural Preservation: Balancing globalization with the need to preserve cultural identities and traditions.
Promoting Sustainable Development through International Ethics
- Upholding Human Rights:
- Ensuring non-discrimination and equality promotes inclusive and sustainable development.
- For example, providing quality education without discrimination aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education).
- Environmental Stewardship:
- Following ethical principles of sustainability, such as reducing carbon emissions and preserving biodiversity, contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
- Ethical Governance:
- Promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in institutions supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
- This helps combat corruption and ensures fair governance.
- Fair Trade Practices:
- Adhering to ethical trade practices, including fair wages and safe working conditions, advances SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
- Certifications guaranteeing a living wage for farmers and artisans exemplify this.
- Gender Equality:
- Embracing gender equality principles empowers women and girls, directly contributing to SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
- Equal opportunities and eliminating gender-based discrimination foster inclusive growth.
- Ethical Investment:
- Responsible investment channels funds into sustainable projects.
- Investing in renewable energy infrastructure supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
- Ethical Consumption:
- Promoting responsible consumption patterns among individuals and communities aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
- Choosing sustainable and ethically produced goods reduces environmental impact.
Conclusion
Ethical issues in international relations demand thoughtful examination from various viewpoints, emphasizing justice, equity, and human dignity. These multifaceted challenges lack straightforward solutions, necessitating ongoing dialogue and negotiation. As our interconnected global society evolves, navigating these complexities remains essential.
Related PYQ
‘International aid’ is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid; Support your answer with suitable examples. [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Mains]
Practice Question
Examine the ethical challenges encountered by nation-states when balancing national sovereignty and the duty to safeguard human rights within the context of international relations. Illustrate your response with relevant examples. [250 words]