Topic > The skeptical theory of morality in international relations

Introduction: Nuclear bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, failure to respond to the request for help in Rwanda, allowing Germany to take control of Czechoslovakia, support for the creation of the State of Israel, concession of loans (with interest) to developing countries and the creation of the United Nations are all forms of international interference and cooperation between states. When looking at these examples and many others, it begs the question: Does morality play a role in a state's international affairs? George Kennan, a prominent sceptic, would argue that in international politics “other, sadder, more limited, more practical criteria must be allowed to prevail.” gives way to prudential reasons that serve the personal interest of the State. During the meeting I will give a brief explanation of skepticism as a theory of morality in international relations. I will next explore ethics in the morality of states and cosmopolitan schools of thought with respect to skepticism. Skepticism: Skepticism, often known as realism, is one of the oldest perspectives for looking at ethics in international relations. The basic premise of international skepticism is that states are self-interested actors and, when necessary, a state should act in its own self-interest beyond any moral proclamations. (Forde, 8) This belief stems from the ancient belief that humans are naturally evil, evolving into the more modern form which states that humans are naturally selfish actors. (Donnelly, 20) To compare states to individuals, it opens the door to questions, such as how can a state be compared to an individual, and if they are comparable, then we see no examples of ind..... .middle of the document......an alliance of states risks war, which would not be the common good of the earth.Conclusion:In conclusion, skeptics are firmly convinced that morality plays little or no role in foreign policy, especially when it conflicts with the personal interests of the state. Due to the anarchic system of international politics, it is not possible to force any state to respect international law or morality. However, other theories help highlight key phenomena that can lead to an international morality not based on self-interest. The fundamental belief in states morality about state sovereignty and non-interference certainly came into play (the borders had hardly increased since the creation of the Westphalian state). And cosmopolitans have demonstrated an ideal path for human rights and peace in which we can already see possibilities such as the formation of the United Nations and the spread of democracy.