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.
Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.
25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in International Relations
Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Corporate GovernanceEthics in International Relations
Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics
Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Ethics in International RelationsEmpathy and Compassion
The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in International Relations
"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
The challenge of climate change presents the world with several fundamental ethical dilemmas. From a global perspective, it presents the world with a collective action problem: all countries have a collective interest in controlling global carbon emissions. But each individual country also has incentives to over-consume in response to societal demands for economic growth and prosperity. Developing nations faced with these costs may encounter further challenges as the impact of climate change will most likely fall disproportionally on the poor, thus also raising issues of fairness and inequality. As an intergenerational problem, the consequences of actions taken by the current generation will have the greatest impact on future generations. While it is intuitive that the current generation has some ethical responsibility to leave an inhabitable world to future generations, the extent of this obligation is less clear. Answer the following questions in this regard: (a) To what extent do humans have a moral responsibility to future generations that are yet to be born? (b) Do developed countries have a greater responsibility to take action and bear more costs of controlling climate change than developing countries?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Environmental EthicsEthics in International Relations
"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest." Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Theories
Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Ethics in International RelationsHuman Values
"In post-conflict rehabilitation, the pursuit of justice must be balanced with the need for reconciliation." Examine this statement in the context of addressing ethnic violence.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Ethics in International RelationsEmpathy and Compassion
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 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
In recent times, we have witnessed large scale displacement of people all over the world. The reasons for this are manifold but it has resulted in a severe challenge in the form of a refugee crisis of large proportions. The recent turmoil in Afghanistan adds another unfortunate chapter to it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the ethical issues involved in the refugee crisis being witnessed in the recent decades. (b) Highlight both short-term and long-term measures to deal with it.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
What role does 'ethics' play in international relations? In your view, what is the relationship between ethics, politics and power?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in International Relations
What do you understand by vaccine diplomacy? Analyze the ethical considerations in a country's decision to prioritize domestic vaccine distribution over sharing vaccines with other nations during the global pandemic.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Can a war ever be justified on moral grounds? Support your answer with suitable arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Various international humanitarian organizations provide emergency aid in conflict zones around the world. Highlight the ethical challenges faced by such organizations. What are the principles that guide international humanitarian work?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Dilemmas in Government
What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate financial support?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in International RelationsEnvironmental Ethics
"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war." Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Theories
Ethics in international relations is a myth, only national interest determines the foreign policy. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss with suitable illustrations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Ethics in International Relations
International aid is a recognized method of assisting less developed nations, making it crucial to examine the role of ethics in its application. Support your answer with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance
What do you understand by global ethics in today's world? Highlight the role that global ethics can play in achieving universally accepted goals.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India's help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated: i. You, your wife, children, parents and relatives. ii. Diplomatic staff at the mission. iii. Indian tourists visiting the country. iv. Indian students studying in the country v. A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood. vi. Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India's help. As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give Justifications.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Crisis Decision MakingDedication to Public Service
Is it ethically defensible to pursue global prestige through space missions while everyday injustices like hunger or women's safety remain unresolved? Discuss the role of ethical governance in managing such trade-offs.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Global financial institutions like IMF, World Bank, etc. have been using INCOME APPROACH for decades now to gauge developmental levels of various countries. However, with time, several new & better approaches have come to the fore like ILO's 'Basic needs approach'.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
“In the name of global peace and security, powerful nations often impose economic or political sanctions on weaker states. While such measures are claimed to uphold international norms, they frequently reflect geopolitical interests and result in humanitarian suffering.” In light of growing concerns over the failure of global governance institutions to ensure fairness and multilateral consensus, critically examine whether it is ethical for dominant nations to unilaterally impose sanctions? How can global governance be reformed to prevent coercive diplomacy and uphold the principles of justice, equity, and sovereign dignity?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Modern diplomacy is currently experiencing fundamental changes at an unprecedented rate that has brought new challenges to diplomats. What are these changes and what are the areas in which diplomats and governments need to be proactive today.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethics in International RelationsCivil Service Values
Global power politics makes it difficult for nations to strictly adhere to values they profess. Critically discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethics in International Relations