BLOCK - 3

UNIT – 1

POWER AND INTERNATIONAL ETHICS:

Quest:  ‘Power plays an important role in international studies’.  Discuss.

Ans. ‘Might is right’ is totally applicable in the field of international politics.  The most powerful nation tries to overpower weaker nations, dominates them and sometimes exploits also. Any nation which dares to dufy its will, is being tramplled by it.  The supreme power of the world wants other nations to move on its directions.  Resultant conflicts and wars have been taking place.  Here is the need of international ethics to play its role of the curbing the menace of the dictators. Rather they will play havoc on the international arena.

       Supreme powers of the world are convinced that they do not need to follow any rule because nobody is there who can monitor them.  It is said that ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. It is true in the matter of the Supremoes of the world.  A total state of anarchism is prevailing there due to the arbitrary activities of the Supremoes. Weaker nations are being exploited by the powerful one.

       To counter this play of supremos is possible for the international powers only.  Instead of the suo motto of “power does not follow any rules” there must be the dictum that everybody has to follow the codes mentioned by international ethics.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AGENDAS AND PROJECTS:

 Quest: Discuss the role of international ethics in the field of scientific research agendas and projects.

Ans.  The impact of scientific research and projects in the realm of international ethics is an undeniable fact.  It is influenced and driven by scientific research.  Science plays very crucial role in the development of the globe.  Scientific advisers of every country interact with other countries and strategies are decided as per the scientific developments.  The research ethics depends on the different research contexts.  That’s why it is multidimensional. 

       Scientific discoveries have proved boon for the humanity in general.  Through educational exchange and prudent approach to policies regarding both domestic and international, scientists have made much progress.  Though, we cannot deny this fact that some theories are being challenged. Theories with great impact on international level promote the scientific and educational progress of every country.  ‘Epistemologies’, on which the thinking of the present and future generation depends, must be governed by the international ethics.  International ethics may influence the question of the discovery of scientific truth and scientific laws.

       That’s why international ethics is continuously challenged by international and global research in various contexts.  

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION:

Quest: Discuss the role of the freedom of information in international ethics.

Ans.  The role of the freedom of information is international ethics is of utmost importance.  Information technologies and their use may be regulated by international ethics.  The availability and flow of information is monitored by information technology.  People enjoy the liberty of communication without any interference, due to the contribution of information technology.

       Though there is every chance of the misuse of this freedom and suspicious activities may be carried out from the border of one country against another one.  Information technology has its pros and cons as well because every nation and individual is always within its approach.  The use of this power is not within the domain of nation. Use of this technology by any individual against any country to curb its powers is also possible.

       International flow of the information is the issue related with international ethics.  International associations have to monitor the issues of information technologies.  To assure nations of its various advantages and to protect them from possible disadvantages is the responsibility of the international ethics.

THE INEQALITY OF NATIONS:

Quest: What is the problem of inequality according to international ethics? Discuss.

Ans. The hierarchy in the status of nations shows that there are some nations who have much more international power than others. Just opposite to this the principle of equity demands equality of all nations.  It may be so that the rise and fall of some nations happened, due to this injustice.  So, it is the moral duty of international community to provide equal, opportunity to all nations so that whole world can evolve equally.  Then only there will be peace and all will feel secure.

       The parameter for inequality are various like, strength of the nation and well being of its citizens. Various studies show that inequality is on the rise.  Due to inequality, conflict arises on the domestic and international level, as well.  The ripple effect of this conflict is the disturbance, and loss of peace and harmony in the world.  Due to this demand of equity is high.

       The need of the hour is to protect more and more to the advantaged nations than the most advantaged one.  It is necessary to give special privilege to the least advantaged nation so that they can participate equally in the international actions.  If the international associations will fail to do so, then it will create more conflict and further division of the world as well.

       So, the onus of peace and harmony is on the shoulder of international ethics to guide and deal with how international power will be used.

THE POVERTY AND WEALTH OF NATIONS:

Quest: How do poverty and wealth plays important role in the development of nations? Explain.

Ans. Prosperity of nation plays a crucial role in the nation’s participation in international issues. Poverty is detrimental for any nation to become involved in international issues. Though poverty affects directly to the nation and the citizens themselves yet it indirectly affects the place of the nation in the international space. International associations also appreciate the alleviation of the poverty because it has its impact on the progress of the world as well.

       ‘International law of justice’ forces nations to alleviate poverty.  As per the UN agenda of Millennium Development Goals nations have to reduce poverty to half by 2015.  Poverty reduction has to become a continuous process around the world.

       It is the impact of globalization that the international community has started to realize that the poor  countries are also sharer of the world and a part of international development.  To guide the poor countries there are poverty measures and poverty indices.

       International ethics is primarily concerned about the poor countries. NGOs working in this field of poverty alleviation have frame works for it.  All these are included in the international ethics which enhances the global harmony.  Theory of justice says in the international field also richer nations should help the poorer one.  This reciprocal approach will help both sides though poorer one will be much benefitted.

COMPETITION BETWEEN NATIONS:

Question: Narrate the existing situation of competition between nations.

Ans. International ethics is all about the advantages and disadvantages of the competing nations in the international space. Disadvantages affect the expansion of the nation while advantages promote it.  Due to the competing nations for the various resources, markets, investments, talents, technology and education, there are many international problems and ethical issues. There is also competition in the field of health services.  The competitive spirit and their long term future is the criterion of the ranking of nations.  Nations with a lack of competitive spirit are left behind. The successes of the dominant countries depend on their strategies.

The criterion of success of any nation in the international space is indicated by freedom, development, happiness, the human capital, natural capital and the standard of living index . On the other hand indexes of poverty, inequality and sustainability etc. also show the competitiveness of the country.

The wide gap between the countries is the cause of tension but at the same time it is also motivating spirit for the nations to take actions on the national and international level.  This is the bright aspect of the competition that through competition they learn from each other and develop.

PHILOSOPHY OF INTERNATIONAL ETHICS:

Quest: Explain the philosophical foundation behind the development of International Ethics. (Dec.2013, 500 words)

Question: Realism – (June, 2014, 100 words)

Question: Discuss the philosophy of International ethics in detail (Dec-2014, 500 words)

Ans: For realist thinkers internationalism is synonymous    with anarchism. To follow rules made by others is to become dominated by others. To follow rules made by others is to become slave of others. Realist thinker raise several issues regarding the international laws, like, ‘are these rules made by international committees a binding on the nations.  Do these rules hold in the international sphere? Who will enforce them if they hold? Who could make the accountability claim for violations? Thus, according to realist thinker, if might is right is the norm then it will be impossible to protect the human rights.  So, as per realist view war will be the only solution for conflicting nations and the winner will be able to rule the world.

            Realism will give birth to power struggle and aligning of the powerful nations to oppose the weaker one.  Thus, in a sense, it is a divisive policy and will give birth to two groups.

            Idealism and International Ethics: Instead of concentrating on ‘power’, idealism focuses on ‘common interest’. Better is the approach of idealism, which gives preference to the common interest of nations, instead of unilateral power of realism.  The foundation of idealism is not only power but morality, laws, legal systems and international institutions.  It leads to peace and non-violence, though there is conflict.

            The common interest of nations in the trade interests, to which idealism focuses.  The principles of idealism will create long lasting peace. 

Constructivism and International Ethics:

            The main issues for constructivism is foreign policy, diplomatic initiatives etc. It focuses, on the domestic politics and impact in the foreign policy. Every nation has its identity based on its history and culture.  This national identity determines the way the nation’s interact.

Equality of Life and International Ethics:

            Each and every body must be given equal importance and opportunity. Global interest is of as much importance as domestic one. Humanity in general is the goal of this principle.  Preferring the citizens of one’s own country over the others is not acceptable, according to this theory. Everyone has equal rights.  Since, each and every life is of equal importance, it is reasonable to sacrifice for others.  This view has an integral approach to life.  And this view teaches us to have a holistic approach. It is all inclusive. It promotes the values which are of crucial importance for human existence.

            Even unborn lives are given equal importance without any discrimination in the name of population control.

            The guiding principle of international ethics must be respected for life in general.  It must be followed in thought, word and deed. It will create peace in the world. The world that protects the most deprived is the ideal world.

Economic, Social and Environmental Frameworks and International Ethics:

            There are number of provisions for making decisions concerning international actions. Actions which are economic, social and environmental consequences are being monitored by these frameworks.  Mainly frameworks which are based on universal values are conducive for all the nation’s progress and welfare. Several global institutions offer frameworks which all the members are supposed to follow.

Constrained Choices and International Ethics:

            Though choices of nations are guided by international ethics yet they are sometimes constrained by the domestic politics. Sometimes they are restricted by the identity politics.  Power equations also affect the choices of the nations.  The impact of economic conditions and national interest   cannot be rulded out on the choices of the nations.  According to some countries, national interest must be given preference over global interest.  Most probably governments will favour their citizens over others.

            But, though it is true that to defend a country’s goal is morally right thing to do, yet it should not be afflicted by the conflict within the country.  Rather, it will be useless to support that aim.  From the point of view of normative ethics, it will be wrong.

            There is always a scope for choice in any moral decision.  This choice should not be marred by any constraint that constraints the survival or extinction of the state.  Rather, it will make morality redundant.  As is the case with realism, that out of fear of powerful nations, weaker ones have to take decisions.  

            So, ethics must be the foundation of all international activities not the goal to be pursued.

 Natural Rights: (June 2013)

Cosmopolitanism and international Ethics:

            The norm for cosmopolitanism is to do the right thing.  Do not do unto others, what you do not want for yourself’ is the suo motto of cosmopolitanism .Whatever we expect from others to do unto us, we should ourselves do that of very thing to others.  As Kant has said that we should act like this that it will become an universal norm.  Whatever everybody else in this world may follow, should be the aim of our action.  Since, now in this age of globalization we interact with the people of other nations, so global community must be our aim.  We should behave with the people of other countries morally. Thus, global ethics and values is the criterion for cosmopolitanism. It promotes international ethics.

            Morality is the law for cosmopolitanism.  It does not discriminate people on the basis of origin and identities.  According to it, nobody should be treated as means to achieve some end.  Freedom and rights of citizen’s is much more important for it than the sovereignty of the nation.  As per the principles of cosmopolitanism, world government is of more importance than nation.  Universality is the norm for it, not particular nation. Although, it may not be acceptable to those nations who prefer their national identity and sovereignty.

Global Ethics:

            “Global ethics” is a discipline representing a link between biology, ecology, medicine and human values in order to attain the survival of both human beings and other animal species. As Heather Widows rightly says that ‘Global ethics is concerned with fundamental real-world issues, real injustice, human suffering and global threats, so it cannot be regarded as a mere intellectual exercise; we would worry about the humanity of anyone who treated it as if it were’?

            Issues discussed in global ethics include the “war on terror”’ rouge states, child-labour, torture, scarce resources, trafficking, migration, climate change, global trade, medical tourism, global pandemics, humanitarian intervention  etc.

            Global ethics is both normative and applied because here theory cannot be seperated from the practice . Due to the globalization of politics and social and technological changes, there are new problems arising and only global ethics can face this challenge.

            The criterion of global ethics is this that rights and interests of all are preserved and duties of all participants are also performed well

Freedom of speech (Dec-2013-14, 100 words):

 (international ethics,4-1)  The realm, which freedom of speech covers is that of religion or world religions, the world press or international press and media, the education sectors, the cultural expressions, exchanges and products.  International relations and international peace and security are mainly based on religious factors. The international press, which scrutinizes the news, must do self-assessment of its own ways of gathering and spreading news’. It must not indulge in selfish behaviours like, propagating its own agendas and selling of its own ideas.

            The international press can reveal the truth which embarrass the nations.  It can play the role of a whistle blower to disclose the covert and overt activities of the nations. Scrutiny of international relations , international power, guided  and monitored by international media ethics and international ethics will be worthy of appreciation.  After globalization of cultures, people have started appreciating each other’s culture and have well accepted the diversity instead of exclusion and discrimination.

            As current students are the future of the nations, only education, sector can play the crucial role of giving foundation to their careers and their well-being as well. Thus, educational sectors are very important to provide the foundation for sustainable societies and resultantly the better world will be there.