GS4 · Topic
Ethics in International Relations
Ethical issues in international relations and in funding, aid and conditionality, and obligation beyond the border.
91 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Ethics in International Relations that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 17 toppers · CSE 2017–2020
Ethics in International RelationsEmpathy and Compassion
Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have acted more as a deterrent than leading to war and mass destruction. In this context, discuss whether it is ethically right to possess nuclear weapons to create nuclear deterrence.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2017–2020
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response. (a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions? (b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face. (c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance
When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Environmental EthicsEthics in International Relations
Ultimately foreign policy of every country hinges upon the strength which the nation possesses. Strength may be military or financial and may be also...moral. Do you think ethical strength without military or financial muscle will be respected in today's world? Explain your position.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books"
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers
Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance
Promoting National interest and gaining influence and power in the International arena are the two basic mantras of every country's external policy. Since the last decade, country ABC has aggressively pursued power and expanded its business interests overseas. One of the businesses ABC was interested in developing was Defence equipment and Satellite technology. It was seeking markets for its space and defense products. The country encouraged its defense equipment manufacturing companies to find new markets and explore manufacturing collaborations with other countries. GAMA, one of the major defense equipment manufacturers, had recently struck a massive multi-billion dollar deal involving sensitive technology transfer and equipment with a country XYZ ruled by Military Junta. It was good business. As the business details became public, much criticism came GAMA's way because XYZ was an international pariah because of its poor human rights record. Further, the Junta indulged in a silent genocide of a minority ethnic community. There was a lot of uproar because the deal involved transferring sensitive technology that could be misused in the wrong hands. In short, it was good business but with questionable clients. Meanwhile, the government of ABC kept silent about the GAMA business deal, and other governments interpreted the silence as a subtle way of building relations with a nation that was an international pariah. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2021–2025
Corporate GovernanceEthics in International Relations
Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Throwing light on the idea of Universal Humanism propounded by Rabindranath Tagore, discuss its contemporary relevance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Do you think nation states owe a responsibility towards asylum seekers? What are the considerations that should, in your opinion, go into the making of a refugee policy? Provide arguments with contemporary examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Ethics in International RelationsEmpathy and Compassion
Foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism, as the economically wealthier countries can exploit the developing countries under the cloak of aid. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance
Ethics does its work in the world by granting and withdrawing legitimacy. Discuss in the context of role of ethics in international relations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Theories
Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not?
Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Corporate GovernanceEthics in International Relations
Analyse the ethical dimensions of using nuclear deterrence as a self-defense strategy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values
Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Ethics in International Relations
There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance
"With great power comes great responsibility." In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics
A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Ethics in International RelationsEmpathy and Compassion
Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty." Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance
Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not?
Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Ethics in International RelationsCorporate Governance