International Ethics

The role of ethics in international relations is a long overlooked and now hotly debated issue. Realists say there is little room for ethics in a world dominated by security risks and national self-interest. Cultural pluralists contend that ethics and morality are relative, depending on the traditions of the society. Idealists are sobered by the complexity of ethical considerations posed by contemporary international challenges. Nonetheless, ethical dilemmas swirl around the globe and moral norms and actions are embraced. This text presents the concepts, theories, methods, and traditions of ethical analysis and then applies them to case studies in the areas of human rights, military force, foreign intervention, economic statecraft, and global political justice. Although rooted in political philosophy, this clearly written study will be of special interest to students and practitioners of international affairs who are concerned with the role of political morality and ethical judgment in global affairs.