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 27, 2009 • Podcast
Lessons in Disaster: McGeorge Bundy and the Path to War in Vietnam
For Bundy, the ultimate actor in Vietnam was not the military, the secretary of state or of defense, or the national security advisor. It was ...
JAN 12, 2009 • Article
An Agenda for Obama: End America's Counterproductive Pursuit of Space Dominance
It's time to go back to President Eisenhower's original goal of space for peaceful purposes and ditch America's position that it has the right to ...
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 ...
DEC 22, 2008 • Podcast
A Conversation on NATO
The post-Cold War NATO has expanded, both in mission and membership. In each instance, problems have arisen with Russia. What are the lessons to be ...
DEC 10, 2008 • Podcast
Beyond Terror and Martyrdom: The Future of the Middle East
The neocons and al-Qaeda have both failed to reach their objectives, says Gilles Kepel. We are now facing one big power in the Middle East: ...
NOV 21, 2008 • Podcast
Iran and the United States: David Speedie Interviews Gary Sick
The Bush administration has been toying with the idea of talking to Iran for the last two years. With the arrival of Obama, now the ...
NOV 14, 2008 • Podcast
David Speedie Interviews Ted Sorensen
"A president who doesn't go to war may show more courage than one who does," said JFK. In a wide-ranging conversation, Sorensen discusses JFK, Cuba, ...
NOV 14, 2008 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Obama: Hope and Change, but for Whom?
How will President Obama deal with the hopes and fears of people abroad? Will his priority be the interests of the U.S. or will ...
NOV 11, 2008 • Podcast
The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism
America is facing a profound triple crisis: the economy, the government, and an involvement in endless wars. This threatens all of us, Republicans and Democrats ...
NOV 4, 2008 • Podcast
Ark of the Liberties: America and the World
Ted Widmer shows that from its beginnings, the United States, for all its shortfalls, has been by far the world's greatest advocate for freedom.