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
FEB 6, 2009 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Buy American? Is There a Choice?
While saving jobs is an urgent task in today's economy, promoting "Buy American" policies may hurt our chances of recovering from the recession. How can ...
FEB 4, 2009 • Article
Doing the Right Thing: How Organizations Can Help us Make Ethical Decisions
What sorts of features must we instill in a collective to make it easier for people to make the decision to tell the truth? What ...
JAN 30, 2009 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: How Real Is Virtual?
Virtual worlds are online environments in which users interact via self-designed persona called avatars. Virtual reality can be entertaining and educational, but at what point ...
JAN 28, 2009 • Podcast
Public Ethics Radio: Jeff McMahan on Proportionality
Israeli officials insist that their attacks on Gaza were judiciously planned so as to minimize harm to civilians. What role do civilian casualties play in ...
JAN 26, 2009 • Podcast
Top Risks and Ethical Decisions 2009
What dangers are lurking for 2009? Taking Eurasia Group's list of Top Risks as a starting point, this lively discussion examines the ethical aspects of these ...
JAN 23, 2009 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Top Risks and Ethical Decisions
What is true for the individual may not be true for the group, the state, or the international system, and vice versa. Does this suggest ...
JAN 21, 2009 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Is Ethical Capitalism Possible?
How can business models become more sustainable? Fortunately, global human civilization has all the moral tools it needs.
JAN 16, 2009 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Choosing between Markets, Regulation, and Rewards
How can we resolve the financial melt-down and prevent another? Solutions focus on free markets, regulation, or rewards. Perhaps we should balance all three? How?
JAN 8, 2009 • Article
China Rediscovers Ethics in Foreign Policy
As the Chinese gradually rediscover the need to introduce ethical considerations into their foreign policy, what will those considerations be?
JAN 2, 2009 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Morgenthau and the New Administration
Should we observe Morgenthau's principles--avoid the crusading spirit and heed others' perspectives--or is promoting democracy and taking a forceful stand indispensable to U.S. foreign ...