Chapter 12 · Topic 12.1 · Prelims + Mains1 of 3
International Ethics: Power, morality and rights
Key points
- Power vs morality.
- Rights and security.
- War and R2P.
Prelims box: facts and traps
| Realism | Idealism / liberalism |
|---|---|
| national interest first | shared values and rules |
| power balances | institutions and law |
| morality is a luxury | cooperation is rational |
| short-term security | long-term trust. |
Power, interest and morality
Mains 2026: In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective. Realists argue that states must put survival and national interest first in an anarchic world. Idealists reply that interests and ethics can meet: long-term interests (trade, trust, stable neighbours) are served by keeping promises, respecting sovereignty and helping in crises.
In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective.
Mains 2020: The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty. Institutions do the taming: international law, the UN, treaties, courts and diplomacy turn raw power into rule-based behaviour. Mains 2017: Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations; strength deters aggression, but peace and security last only when strength is used with restraint and legitimacy.
The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty. Examine this statement in the context of international relations.
Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate.
| Realism | Idealism / liberalism |
|---|---|
| national interest first | shared values and rules |
| power balances | institutions and law |
| morality is a luxury | cooperation is rational |
| short-term security | long-term trust |
Teaching table.
Human rights and national security
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations; it set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected, and has inspired more than seventy human rights treaties (UN).
Mains 2026: Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights. Tests used by courts and ethicists: legality (a clear law), necessity (no milder means), proportionality (the least intrusion), and oversight (independent review). Security protects rights; it must not become an excuse to destroy them.
Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.
Mains 2018: Edward Snowden, a computer expert and former CIA systems administrator, released confidential Government documents about surveillance programmes, claiming a moral duty to inform the public. Ethical debate: privacy and public right to know versus law, secrecy and security. A balanced view: genuine whistle-blowing should first use lawful channels; mass surveillance without oversight is itself a rights problem.
Edward Snowden, a computer expert and former CIA systems administrator, released confidential Government documents to the press about the existence of Government surveillance programmes. According to many legal experts and the US Government, his actions violated the Espionage Act of 1917, which identified the leak of State secrets as an act of treason. Yet, despite the fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification for his “whistle blowing” by stating that he had a duty “to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.” According to Snowden, the Government’s violation of privacy had to be exposed regardless of legality since more substantive issues of social action and public morality were involved here. Many agreed with Snowden. Few argued that he broke the law and compromised national security, for which he should be held accountable. Do you agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited ? Why or why not ? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case.
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Realists argue that states must put survival and national interest first in an anarchic world.
- Idealists reply that interests and ethics can meet: long-term interests (trade, trust, stable neighbours) are served by keeping promises, respecting sovereignty and helping in crises.
- A balanced view: genuine whistle-blowing should first use lawful channels; mass surveillance without oversight is itself a rights problem.
- Likely next angle: Strength with restraint
- Asked: Mains 2026 (GS Paper IV, 10 marks): In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective.
- Asked: Mains 2020 (GS Paper IV, 10 marks): The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty. Examine this statement in the context of international relations.
Practice
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of International Ethics with one recent example.
Flashcards (8)
Realism says?
National interest and power come first.
How is the will to power tamed?
Law, institutions, diplomacy, moral duty.
Three pillars named in Mains 2017?
Strength, peace and security.
UDHR proclaimed when?
10 December 1948, Paris.
UDHR resolution number?
General Assembly resolution 217 A.
Treaties inspired by UDHR?
More than seventy.
Four tests for security measures?
Legality, necessity, proportionality, oversight.
Snowden dilemma?
Public right to know vs law and security.
Read more: related explainers
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