Katedra evropských studií

International morality: does such a thing really exist ? Aren’t nation-states — even democratic ones — ‘cold monsters’ primarily interested in their own power and security ? The answer to both questions is a positive one. Between ethical ideals and realist considerations, not only NGOs, but states, too, act ethically at times. Why ? When ? How ? This course shall discuss these issues and, based on my research, examine an alternative to the liberal Human Rights agenda.

International relations – and social life in general – are characterized by dependency and power. While Human Rights advocate autonomy and equality, this ideology is fairly recent in history. The ideals it refers to made little sense in earlier epochs and are often violated nowadays. An International Relations Ethic can nevertheless be put forward in the form of a few principles based on old moral norms which have been present for centuries.

I shall also argue that a Global Care ethic, based on contemporary feminist theory and religious moral consensus — privileging needs rather than rights, concrete social relations rather than abstract principles of justice — is morally superior to a purely rights based approach. In addition, engaging in humane caring relationships enriches not only care receivers, but also care givers.

My pragmatic argument: it is better to try to improve the world somewhat, by taking stock of historical rules for acting realistically well (a 'realist' perspective), rather than defining an ideal towards which everyone should then strive (an 'idealist' view). A few universal ethical rules guiding us through history as well as across cultures do exist. Although such 'thin' ethical precepts are universal, they always apply through a kaleidoscope of local, historic, and thus 'thick' moralities grounded within particular epochs and cultures.

The central ethical themes which will be developed are:
-- Pacifism and non-violence
-- Moral theories, illustrated by many international relations examples
-- Prudential realism, balance of power policies, and morality
-- Just War
-- Just Peace
-- Human Rights, 'thin' and 'thick' morality, and universal norms
-- Global Care
– Truth and morality (ambiguity & ambivalence of moral norms and values, personal vs. nation-state morality, true facts vs. 'fake news')

Students will become familiar with concepts and theories helping them to develop their own thoughts about the realities, challenges, and impediments of international morality. They will be encouraged to think deeper about their personal moral ideals and critically evaluate philosophers' thoughts. They will learn how some of these thinkers themselves applied their ethical ideals and what their stories tell us about the nature of moral reasoning and that of ethical behavior.