Answer

In today’s international arena, ethical considerations of powerful nations play a crucial role in addressing ongoing conflicts. These nations often face a dilemma between their economic interests, particularly in the resource exploitation and  arms industry, and their moral responsibility to promote peace. While many advocate for peace, true ethical leadership requires both belief and action to halt the perpetuation of violence for self-interest.

Essence of “It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it.”:

• Genuine Belief in Peace: Talking about peace without action undermines its value. A belief in peace should manifest through practical steps toward conflict resolution.
  For example: The United Nations’ peacekeeping missions show belief in peace by actively working to stabilise conflict zones.
• Conviction as the Foundation for Action: To achieve peace, conviction must drive every effort. Without genuine commitment, efforts become mere rhetoric.
  For example: Gandhi’s non-violent resistance was driven by his firm conviction in peace and justice.
• Action as the Key to Achieving Peace: Beyond dialogue, consistent actions are necessary to foster long-lasting peace.
  For example: The Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel demonstrate that diplomatic action leads to concrete peace agreements.
• Personal Responsibility in Peacebuilding: Individuals and nations must recognise their role in actively promoting peace.
  For example: Nelson Mandela actively dismantled apartheid and fostered reconciliation, taking personal responsibility for national peace.
• Peace Requires Collective Effort: No single nation or entity can bring peace alone; it requires cooperation among international actors.
  For example: The success of the Paris Agreement on climate change relies on the collective will of nations to act together.
• Commitment to Continuous Action: Peace is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process requiring sustained effort.
  For example: The Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland required continuous commitment from all parties involved.

Major Weapon Industries of Developed Nations Are Adversely Influencing the Continuation of Wars for Self-Interest:

• Prioritising Profit Over Peace: Major arms industries often prioritise profits from weapon sales over efforts to end conflicts.
  For example: It is alleged that the US arms industry has profited massively from conflicts in the Middle East, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Impact of Influence: Lobbying by weapon manufacturers can influence foreign policy, leading to prolonged conflicts.
• Support for Non-State Actors: Arms are often sold to non-state actors, exacerbating conflicts and instability.
  For example: The flow of arms to rebel groups in Syria and Yemen contributed to the prolonged civil war and humanitarian crisis.
• Dependency Creation: Weapon sales create dependency, where nations embroiled in conflict continually require arms to sustain warfare.
  For example: Experts remark that Saudi Arabia’s dependency on US arms in the ongoing Yemen conflict shows how arms sales perpetuate warfare.
• Transparency and Accountability Issues: Lack of transparency in arms trading results in weapons being used in human rights violations.
  For example: Amnesty International has highlighted how weapons sold to warring factions in Yemen have been used to commit war crimes.

Ethical Considerations of Powerful Nations to Stop Continuation of Ongoing Conflicts:

• Adherence to Principles of Sovereignty and Non-Intervention: Nations must respect the sovereignty of other countries and refrain from intervening militarily for economic gain.
  For example: India’s non-intervention policy in international conflicts reflects ethical diplomacy focused on peace.
• Enhancement of Diplomatic Engagements: Nations should engage in diplomacy rather than fueling conflicts through arms sales.
• Commitment to Transparent Arms Trading: Arms exports should be transparent and subject to stringent controls to prevent misuse.
  For example: The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) mandates ethical trade practices in the global arms industry.
• Implementation of Stringent Export Controls: Nations should implement strict export controls to ensure that arms do not end up in conflict zones.
• Support for International Peace Efforts: Powerful nations should actively support and fund international peace efforts, rather than profiting from war.

To truly address global conflicts, powerful nations must balance their economic interests with their ethical responsibility to promote peace. Merely advocating peace without action is insufficient. Responsible arms trading, diplomatic engagements, and adherence to international laws are necessary steps toward reducing conflict and ensuring lasting global stability. Peace requires more than belief; it demands sustained action by all stakeholders.

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