Framing ethical perspectives
As countries grapple with global issues, such as climate change and the impact of emerging technology, the way that nations interact has never been more consequential. Our experts, programming, and impact initiatives work to analyze the foreign policy of the United States and other nations with an aim to explore shared values and produce agenda-setting resources.
Foreign Policy Resources
International affairs, global governance, and more
DEC 15, 2025 • Video
The Ethics of Decision-Making in National Security
APR 9, 2026 • Article
Realism vs. Pragmatism: Understanding America’s New Rhetorical Landscape
Amid Trump's fiery rhetoric and debates over "realism," Professor Jason Ralph writes that "pragmatism" may offer a better alternative for the American public.
AUG 14, 2025 • Podcast
Values, Realism, and U.S. Foreign Policy, with Alexander Vindman
Alexander Vindman joins "Values & Interests" to discuss the critical interplay between morality and power in the practice of geopolitics.
Related Initiatives
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.
Model International Mobility Convention
The primary goal of the Model International Mobility Convention (MIMC) is to formulate new rules for migration and asylum that can benefit both migrants and refugees as well as their states of origin, transit, and destination.
Explore Our Foreign Policy Resources
JAN 9, 2015 • Article
Cuba's Pivotal Role on the World Stage
One might not think that a small island like Cuba could play a critical role in world politics. Yet the circumstances of Obama's decision to ...
DEC 17, 2014 • Podcast
The Rise of ISIS: Implications for U.S. Strategy, Interests, and Values
How did ISIS grow so quickly? What is the best strategy to overcome it and how long will it take? How should the U.S. ...
DEC 15, 2014 • Podcast
A Conversation with Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster
How can U.S. soldiers be trained to maintain ethical and legal standards in today's complex and often brutal environment? How is the Army preparing ...
DEC 10, 2014 • Podcast
America in Retreat: The New Isolationism and the Coming Global Disorder
America is not in decline, but it's certainly in retreat, says Stephens, and this is a mistake. He argues that the United States is the ...
DEC 5, 2014 • Podcast
Strategies for Countering Violent Extremists
Jean-Paul Laborde, executive director of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) discusses the role of the UN in countering terrorism worldwide.
DEC 3, 2014 • Podcast
Outpost: Life on the Frontlines of American Diplomacy
Former ambassador Hill has worked on some of the most dangerous and difficult problems in U.S. diplomacy, from the Balkans, to North Korea, to ...
NOV 24, 2014 • Podcast
From "Indispensable Nation" to "Realism-Based Restraint": Reconsidering U.S. Engagement with the World
Former ambassador Chas Freeman has had a wide breadth of diplomatic experience, from the Middle East to Africa, East Asia, and Europe. In this conversation ...
NOV 14, 2014 • Podcast
A Conversation with David Keyes on Advancing Human Rights
In the Soviet era, it was difficult to alert the world of what was happening to dissidents, says David Keyes. Today, however, there's an overload ...
NOV 7, 2014 • Podcast
A Conversation with General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
In this candid and thoughtful conversation, General Dempsey tackles the difficult questions, from ISIS to Ebola to cyber threats. And throughout, he stresses the importance ...
NOV 7, 2014 • Podcast
Global Ethics and the Point of View of the Universe
Sidgwick's concept of looking at issues from "the point of view of the universe"--in other words, giving equal weight to everyone's interests, irrespective of ...