Ethics and International Affairs

This first-year seminar offers an introduction to the role of ethics in international affairs. It begins with an examination of key conceptual approaches to the study of morality and ethics in international politics. The bulk of the course will then analyze a number of contemporary issues, such as what we owe the people of Afghanistan and Ukraine, the morality of nuclear deterrence, the ethics of drone warfare, our obligation to the world's poorest citizens, and our duties and responsibilities to the environment. Upon completing this course, you will have learned some of the key concepts and theoretical approaches to the study of ethics and international affairs, and considered some central moral issues in international politics. This course will also enable you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments, perspectives and viewpoints.