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
AUG 11, 2008 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: The Greening of Islamic Politics
For centuries, Muslims considered Indonesia to be Islam's most distant outpost. Yet this diffuse country with multiple identities is leading the way in the greening ...
JUL 31, 2008 • Podcast
Cyberethics: The Emerging Codes of Online Conduct
A panel of old and new media experts explore the changing communications landscape as new media grows in different directions and becomes more and more ...
JUL 14, 2008 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Hotel Rwanda"
Based on the true story of a Rwandan hotel manager who saved the lives of over 1,200 refugees during the 1994 genocide, this film points blame at ...
JUL 8, 2008 • Podcast
Torture, Rights, and Values: Why the Prohibition of Torture is Absolute
Rodin's premise is that if we have a commitment against torture, then it leads to an absolute prohibition on torture. Luban worries that our commitment ...
JUN 25, 2008 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: U Made an Illegal U-Turn
The South Korean metropolis of New Songdo is slated to be the world's largest "ubiquitous city," with tracking devices everywhere. The entrenchment of social surveillance ...
JUN 16, 2008 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Speaking Fairly
The rise of English as a global lingua franca is one of the most striking developments of the last few decades, but the use of ...
JUN 3, 2008 • Podcast
When Principles Pay: Corporate Social Responsibility and the Bottom Line
Geoffrey Heal examines how social and environmental performance affects a corporation's profitability and how the stock market reacts to a firm's behavior in these areas.
MAY 29, 2008 • Podcast
Olympic Mettle: Business, Civil Society, and Politics During the Beijing Games
An expert panel discusses the ethics of engagement with China in the context of the Olympics. What lasting positive or negative effects, if any, will ...
MAY 22, 2008 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: In Vitro Meat, a More Humane Treat
As a growing world population demands more calories, new food technologies may help alleviate some of the hunger, cruelty, and environmental problems associated with industrial ...
MAY 21, 2008 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Sovereign Wealth Funds under Scrutiny
Sovereign wealth funds could face a backlash if they fail to allay concerns over transparency.