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
MAR 13, 2026 • Video
Character and Leadership: A Conversation with Lt. General (ret.) Mark Hertling
FEB 20, 2026 • Podcast
Keeping it Real(ism), with Assoc. Professor Paul Poast
With realism having a political moment, Paul Poast discusses the intellectual roots of the theory and how it's being applied in U.S. foreign policy.
DEC 11, 2025 • Video
Re-examining our Capacity for Just Peace
Watch this discussion featuring distinguished experts reflecting on the state of war in 2025 and the obstacles to achieving just peace.
Related Initiatives
Carnegie Ethics Accelerator
The Carnegie Ethics Accelerator is a new kind of incubator designed to empower ethics in the face of swiftly evolving challenges in technology and public policies.
Ethics & International Affairs Journal
Ethics & International Affairs is the quarterly journal of Carnegie Council. It aims to close the gap between the theory and practice of ethics.
Carnegie Ethics Fellows
The Carnegie Ethics Fellows program (CEF) seeks to cultivate the next generation of ethical global leaders across business, policy, technology, NGOs, and academia.
Explore Our Applied Ethics Resources
MAY 7, 2010 • Podcast
Sebastian Junger and David Speedie on Afghanistan (NEWSWEEK On Air Interview)
Sebastian Junger recounts some of his experiences while embedded with U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Referring to a recent Carnegie Council panel, David Speedie discusses ...
MAY 4, 2010 • Article
This Is about Leadership: The Circular Debate of the Military's Gay Ban
In August 2010, three months after writing this article, West Point Cadet Katherine Miller publicly announced she was gay and resigned from West Point, saying that "...
APR 21, 2010 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: The Fate of the Paperless
Detention centers are on the rise as a means to control illegal immigration, while reports of human rights abuse and rising financial costs call into ...
APR 16, 2010 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: The Irony of Nuclear Weapons?
This short video on ethics asks: Are nuclear weapons a necessary evil? Is it better to live in a world with nuclear deterrence or one ...
APR 9, 2010 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Sports, NCAA Basketball, and Money
Is the role of the NCAA to help students succeed through sports, or to garner money for educational institutions? With the high drop-out rate of ...
APR 8, 2010 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Rage against Virtual Rape
It is up to the Japanese to decide what regulations the nation wants to prescribe for sex industry software.
APR 1, 2010 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Promises, Promises: The Two Faces of Japan's New Government
Contradictions within the Democratic Party of Japan and the Hatoyama cabinet threaten to upset the expected July upper house elections and lead to further political ...
APR 1, 2010 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Do Good Guys Really Finish Last?
Benefits from altruism include approval, enhanced image, and neural stimulation--feeling good. Yet if you act selfishly you will have more resources, and your individual behavior ...
MAR 30, 2010 • Article
Jackson-Vanik: a Bridge to the 20th Century
U.S. and Russian leaders and Jewish organizations all agree: the U.S. should "graduate" Russia from the JV amendment, which ties freedom of trade ...
MAR 29, 2010 • Podcast
Recent Advances in the Prevention of Mass Violence
How can we prevent mass violence? Drawing on insights from leaders in the field, David Hamburg identifies the clear warnings that always appear long before ...