The recent talks between the US and Ukrainian presidents have drawn global attention, sparking questions about whether this is the right approach for leaders to address a situation that continues to impact lives. Should leaders revisit the ethics of International Relations?

About Ethics in International Relations

• Ethics in international relations refers to the moral principles that guide the behavior of states and their leaders in the global arena.
• Leaders must balance national interests, strategic foresight, and ethical diplomacy.
• The role of ethics becomes crucial in war, peace negotiations, and global diplomacy.

Theories of Ethics in International Relations

• Realism: Realism views international relations as a struggle for power where states act in their self-interest. Ethical considerations take a backseat to national security and survival.
  • Examples: The Cold War power struggle between the US and the Soviet Union, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine justified as a security imperative, US-China strategic competition.
• Liberalism: Liberalism believes that international cooperation, institutions, and democratic values can lead to a more ethical global order. It promotes human rights, diplomacy, and the rule of law in international affairs.
  • Examples: The formation of the United Nations, the European Union’s emphasis on human rights, international human rights treaties.
• Constructivism: Constructivism argues that international relations are shaped by social norms, values, and identities rather than just power or material interests. Ethical values evolve over time and influence state behavior.
  • Examples: The global movement against colonialism, changing international attitudes towards climate change, the emergence of norms against nuclear proliferation.
• Just War Theory: Just War Theory provides a moral framework to evaluate the justification for war. It is divided into jus ad bellum (justification for going to war), jus in bello (ethical conduct during war), and jus post bellum (justice after war).
  • Examples: NATO’s intervention in Kosovo based on humanitarian grounds, Geneva Conventions establishing ethical conduct in war, debates over US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Cosmopolitanism: Cosmopolitanism asserts that all human beings belong to a single moral community, and national borders should not limit ethical obligations.
  • Examples: International refugee assistance programs, climate justice initiatives like the Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism argues that ethical decisions in international relations should maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering.
  • Examples: Economic sanctions on authoritarian regimes justified as necessary to pressure governments while minimizing overall suffering, humanitarian aid targeted at maximizing relief impact.
• Deontological Ethics: Deontology argues that ethical decisions should be based on duty and universal moral principles rather than consequences.
  • Examples: The prohibition of torture under the UN Convention Against Torture, opposition to extrajudicial killings in counterterrorism operations.
• Communitarianism: Communitarianism argues that ethical obligations are shaped by cultural, historical, and national contexts rather than universal moral principles.
  • Examples: China’s rejection of Western-style democracy and human rights discourse, debates over indigenous rights versus national laws.

India’s Contribution to Ethics in International Relations

• Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Peaceful Coexistence: Sovereignty, non-aggression, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
  • India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961. 
  • Example: India’s role in mediating conflicts, such as the Korean War (1950-53) and the Suez Crisis (1956), showcased its commitment to peace and neutrality.
• Panchsheel: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence
  • India, along with China, introduced the Panchsheel principles in 1954, which became a cornerstone of ethical international relations.
    • Mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
    • Mutual non-aggression.
    • Mutual non-interference in internal affairs.
    • Equality and mutual benefit.
    • Peaceful coexistence.
  • Example: Panchsheel influenced the Bandung Conference (1955) and became a guiding framework for many newly independent nations.
• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, drawn from Indian philosophy, envisions the world as a single family, emphasizing global cooperation and ethical diplomacy.
  • Example: India’s G20 Presidency (2023) was themed “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, focusing on inclusive development and ethical international cooperation.
    • India’s Vaccine Maitri Initiative (2021) provided COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries, prioritizing humanitarian ethics.
• Advocacy for Decolonization and Anti-Racism: Justice, equality, and the right to self-determination.
  • India was a vocal advocate for the decolonization of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, supporting the right to self-determination for colonized nations.
  • Example: India supported independence movements in countries like Indonesia, South Africa, and Namibia, and played a key role in the UN’s efforts to end apartheid in South Africa.
• Ethical Foreign Policy and Soft Power
  • India’s foreign policy has been guided by ethical principles such as non-violence (ahimsa), tolerance, and mutual respect, which are rooted in its ancient philosophical traditions.
  • Example: India’s use of soft power, including yoga, Bollywood, and its democratic values, has enhanced its global influence and promoted ethical principles.
• Article 51: Constitutional Commitment to Global Ethics
  • Article 51 of the Indian Constitution (Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the state to:
    • Promote international peace and security.
    • Maintain just and honorable relations between nations.
    • Foster respect for international law.
    • Encourage settlement of disputes through arbitration.
  • Example: India’s strong advocacy for UN reforms reflects its constitutional commitment to fair global governance.
• No First Use (NFU) Doctrine: India follows a “No First Use” (NFU) nuclear policy, ensuring that nuclear weapons are used only for self-defense.
  • Example: India is a responsible nuclear power, committed to non-proliferation and global disarmament discussions at the UN.

Key Ethical Principles in International Relations

• Sovereignty and Non-Intervention: States should not intervene in the internal affairs of other nations unless there is a clear violation of human rights or a threat to global peace.
  • Example: The UN Charter emphasizes sovereignty, but interventions like those in Rwanda (1994) or Kosovo (1999) raise ethical questions about when intervention is justified.
• Human Rights: States and international organizations have a moral obligation to protect human rights, even if it conflicts with national interests.
  • Example: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) sets a global standard, but violations in conflicts like Syria highlight the gap between principle and practice.
• Justice and Fairness: International agreements and policies should aim for equitable outcomes, especially in trade, climate change, and resource distribution.
  • Example: Climate justice debates—developed nations bear more responsibility for emissions, as per the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) principle.
• Peace and Non-Violence: War should only be a last resort, and even then, it must be conducted ethically, minimizing harm to civilians (jus in bello).
  • Example: The Iraq War (2003) is often criticized for failing to meet the ethical criteria of a “just war.”
• Global Cooperation and Solidarity: Nations should work together to address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and pandemics.
  • Example: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for global cooperation in vaccine distribution and healthcare support.
• Environmental Stewardship: Protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
  • Example: The Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement are international efforts to combat climate change, though enforcement remains a challenge.
• Transparency and Accountability: Corruption, secrecy, and lack of accountability undermine trust and ethical governance in international relations.
  • Example:  International Criminal Court (ICC) cases against African leaders but reluctance to prosecute Western leaders.
• Equality of Nations: All nations, regardless of size or power, should have equal voice and representation in international forums.
  • Example: The UN Security Council’s veto power is often criticized for favoring powerful nations like the US, Russia, and China.
• Non-Discrimination: Nations and international actors should avoid discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or nationality.
  • Example: The Refugee Convention (1951) aims to protect the rights of refugees without discrimination.

Ethical Issues in International Relations

• Human Rights Violations and Selective Intervention: Nations and international organizations often apply human rights norms selectively, intervening in some crises while ignoring others.
  • The US and EU sanctions on Russia (2022) for the Ukraine war but limited action against Saudi Arabia over Yemen.
  • As per the UNHCR, there were over 114 million forcibly displaced people worldwide by 2023, many due to human rights abuses.
• War Ethics and Justification for Military Interventions: Ethical dilemmas arise in deciding when military intervention is justified and whether civilian casualties can be deemed “collateral damage.”
  • US invasion of Iraq (2003), justified on false claims of weapon of mass destruction (WMDs), raising ethical concerns.
  • According to Brown University’s “Costs of War” project, post-9/11 wars by the US led to 4.5 million deaths due to direct and indirect impacts.
• Climate Change and Environmental Justice: Developed countries, historically responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, have been reluctant to take full responsibility or provide sufficient aid to vulnerable nations.
  • Paris Climate Agreement (2015)—Developing nations demanded financial help under the Loss and Damage Fund, but contributions remain inadequate.
  • China (30%) and the US (14%) account for nearly 44% of global CO₂ emissions, while Africa contributes only 4%, yet faces disproportionate climate disasters.
• Economic Exploitation and Unequal Trade Policies: Richer nations exploit weaker economies through unfair trade agreements, debt traps, and resource extraction.
  • IMF and World Bank structural adjustment programs (SAPs) have often led to economic hardships in African and Latin American nations.
  • According to UNCTAD, Africa loses $88.6 billion annually due to illicit financial flows and unfair trade.
• Refugee Crisis and Migration Policies: Nations have an ethical responsibility to provide asylum to displaced persons, but policies often prioritize national security over humanitarian needs.
  • Syrian Refugee Crisis (2015)—Europe received over 1.3 million refugees, but many states restricted entry.
  • The UNHCR (2023) reports that over 117.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, including 36.4 million refugees, by the end of 2023..
• Cyber Ethics and Digital Surveillance: Governments and corporations engage in mass surveillance, hacking, and misinformation campaigns, raising ethical concerns.
  • Russian cyberattacks—Targeted elections in the US and Europe, raising ethical concerns about foreign interference.
  • The World Economic Forum (2023) listed cyber threats among the top 10 global risks, with hacking incidents costing the global economy over $6 trillion annually.
• UN Effectiveness and Accountability: The UN and international institutions are often criticized for being biased, slow, or ineffective in conflict resolution.
• • Failure to prevent genocides—UN inaction in Rwanda (1994) and Myanmar (2017) led to mass atrocities.
  • Over 90% of UN peacekeeping missions have been deployed in Africa and Asia, often criticized for being underfunded and politically influenced.

Role of International Organizations in International Ethics

• United Nations (UN): Global Peace and Human Rights
  • Maintains international peace and security (UN Security Council).
  • Promotes human rights (UN Human Rights Council, Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
  • Provides humanitarian aid (UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF).
  • Example: UN Peacekeeping Missions—Deployed in South Sudan, Mali, and DR Congo.
    • Fact: As of 2023, the UN had over 87,000 peacekeepers deployed across 12 missions worldwide.
• International Court of Justice (ICJ): Legal Arbitration and Justice
  • Settles disputes between states based on international law.
  • Provides legal opinions on global ethical issues (e.g., genocide, war crimes).
  • Example: ICJ ruling against Russia (2022)—Ukraine sued Russia for falsely justifying war under a genocide claim.
  • Over 196 cases have been brought before the ICJ since its inception in 1945.
• International Criminal Court (ICC): War Crimes and Accountability
  • Prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
  • Ensures leaders are held accountable for human rights violations.
  • Example: Arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin (2023)—Over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
• World Trade Organization (WTO): Ethical Trade and Economic Justice
  • Promotes fair trade practices and resolves disputes between countries.
  • Protects developing nations from economic exploitation.
  • Example: WTO vs. US-China Trade War—Mediated tariff disputes in 2018-19.
  • WTO has 166 member countries and over 600 trade disputes brought to it, with over 350 rulings issued since its inception in 1995.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Ethical Health Governance
  • Coordinates global health policies and responses to pandemics.
  • Ensures equitable distribution of medicines and vaccines.
  • Example: COVAX Initiative—Ensured vaccines for low-income nations during COVID-19.
    • WHO has 194 member states and led efforts to vaccinate 1 billion+ people against COVID-19.
• International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank: Economic Stability and Ethics
  • Provides financial aid and development loans to struggling economies.
  • Promotes ethical lending and poverty reduction.
  • Example: IMF bailout for Sri Lanka (2023) to stabilize its economy.
    • The IMF has around $1 trillion in lending capacity and has helped many countries.
• NGOs and Civil Society: Advocacy and Ethical Accountability
• • Hold governments accountable for ethical violations.
  • Provide humanitarian aid and research on global issues.
  • Example: Amnesty International’s reports on human rights abuses influence policy changes.

Way Forward for Strengthening Ethics in International Relations

• Strengthening International Legal Mechanisms: Enhance the enforcement power of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold violators accountable.
  • Reform the UN Security Council veto system to prevent political bias in global conflict resolutions.
• Promoting Ethical Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Encourage peaceful negotiations over military interventions through mediation efforts by the UN and regional bodies.
  • Strengthen the role of track-II diplomacy (non-governmental conflict resolution) to promote ethical dialogue.
• Ensuring Fair Global Economic Policies: Reform institutions like the IMF and World Bank to prioritize ethical lending and reduce economic exploitation.
  • Promote fair trade agreements that benefit developing nations and prevent debt traps.
• Addressing Climate and Environmental Ethics: Ensure that developed countries fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement and Loss and Damage Fund for climate justice.
  • Encourage ethical investment in renewable energy and sustainable development.
• Strengthening Human Rights and Refugee Protections: Ensure the UN Human Rights Council takes unbiased action against human rights violations.
  • Strengthen the global refugee protection framework by ensuring equitable responsibility-sharing among nations.
• Encouraging Transparency and Accountability: Implement stricter regulations to prevent cyber warfare, misinformation, and digital surveillance abuses.
  • Promote independent watchdogs like NGOs and investigative journalism to expose global ethical violations.

Conclusion

Ethics in international relations is essential for promoting peace, justice, and global cooperation. Strengthening international institutions, promoting ethical diplomacy, and ensuring global accountability can help create a more fair, just, and sustainable world order. 

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