Applied Ethics

Framing ethical perspectives

Applied ethics refers to the practical applications of the moral principles that govern behavior. Carnegie Council focuses on this field, mostly through the realm of international affairs, by identifying and addressing the most critical ethical issues of today and tomorrow. Our initiatives, content, and experts analyze the way that governments, institutions, and individuals interact and make choices on global issues, such as climate change, emerging technology, and governance.

Featured Applied Ethics Resources

Practical conversations, decision analysis, and more

JUL 5, 2023 Article

A Framework for the International Governance of AI

Carnegie Council, in collaboration with IEEE, proposes a five-part AI governance framework to enable the constructive use of AI.

APR 12, 2022 Podcast

Surveillance Tech's Infinite Loop of Harms, with Chris Gilliard

In this discussion with Senior Fellow Arthur Holland Michel, Chris Gilliard explains why the arc of surveillance technology and novel AI bends toward failures that ...

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JUN 13, 2017 Podcast

Yvonne Terlingen on the UN Secretary-General Selection Process

Until very recently, the United Nations selected its secretary-general entirely behind closed doors. Yvonne Terlingen, of the 1 for 7 Billion Find the Best UN Leader campaign, ...

Devin Stewart & Admiral John Richardson, chief of naval operations, U.S. Navy. CREDIT: Amanda Ghanooni

JUN 2, 2017 Podcast

The U.S. Navy's View on Security in Asia and Beyond

Carnegie Council's Devin Stewart talks with Admiral John Richardson, the U.S. Navy's most senior-ranking officer. Topics include strategy; the security challenges the Navy faces ...

Bruce Schneier. CREDIT: Amanda Ghanooni

JUN 1, 2017 Podcast

Privacy in a Digital Age - Carnegie UK Trust Seminar on Future of Public Libraries

This seminar, sponsored by the Carnegie UK Trust as part of a study tour on the future of public libraries, explores privacy and the role ...

Bruce Schneier. CREDIT: Amanda Ghanooni

JUN 1, 2017 Transcript

Privacy in a Digital Age - Carnegie UK Trust Seminar on Future of Public Libraries

This seminar, sponsored by the Carnegie UK Trust as part of a study tour on the future of public libraries, explores privacy and the role ...

MAY 24, 2017 Transcript

A Briefing and Discussion on Solar Geoengineering: Science, Ethics, and Governance

In response to stakeholder requests, the Forum on Climate Engineering Assessment (FCEA) and the Carnegie Climate Geoengineering Governance Initiative (C2G2) jointly convened this webinar ...

Walter Russell Mead and Leon Botstein. CREDIT: Amanda Ghanooni.

MAY 18, 2017 Podcast

Crisis of the Liberal Order

What explains the global resurgence of populism and the rise of political actors on the right? And what are the effects on longstanding alliances, international ...

Logo of Sputnik multimedia news agency via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sputnik_logo.svg">Wikimedia</a>.

MAY 8, 2017 Article

The Grey War of Our Time: Information Warfare and the Kremlin's Weaponization of Digital Russian-Language News

"I argue that from 2008 to 2014, Moscow improved its ability to capitalize on the benefits of digital news—namely the unlimited publication space of digital media—...

CREDIT: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/azwegers/6368698875/">Arlan Zwegers</a> (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">CC</a>)

MAY 8, 2017 Article

Syrian Women: Peace Will Come only with Accountability

There can be no lasting peace in Syria without justice for detainees and accountability for war crimes. says Syrian Women's Committee Member Mariam Jellabi. Syrian ...

U.S. Army scouts in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, 2006. CREDIT: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/familymwr/5285853107/">familymwr</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(CC)</a>

MAY 3, 2017 Podcast

Limiting Civilian Casualties as Part of a Winning Strategy

"Limiting civilian casualties is always morally and ethically the right thing to do," declares Joseph Felter, speaking from both his research and personal military experience. "...

The Battle of Manila Bay, May 1898. CREDIT: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Olympia_art_NH_91881-KN_cropped.jpg">Wikimedia/Public Domain</a>

APR 21, 2017 Article

The Main(e) Concern in the South China Sea

On the 119th anniversary of the start of the Spanish-American War, the U.S. is facing another potential maritime conflict, this time with China. What ...