Ethics and International Politics

In this important new work, Bonanate argues that a moral theory of international life is possible. He challenges the realist argument that relations between states are essentially amoral and governed exclusively by considerations of power and self-interest. Bonanate shows that the interconnectedness of modern societies and economies has led to the development of an international community with its own institutions and code of behaviour. He suggests that the main problem facing an international ethic is that of finding a consensus between the plurality of moral concepts employed by different states to legitimize their actions. States must recognize, Bonanate argues, that their fundamental duty to show all human beings equal concern and respect involves an obligation to secure not just the rights of their own citizens, but the rights of all the people in the world as well. Ethics and International Politics is an accessible but sophisticated study of the nature of moral judgement in international relations. It will be welcomed by students and researchers in politics, political theory, international relations and peace studies.

Challenges to Realism: A direct critique of the argument that international relations are only about power and self-interest. An International Community: Discussion of how interconnected economies and societies create a global community. The Ethics of Action: Analysis of the code of behavior for states. Consensus and Pluralism: Addressing the problem of finding shared ethical standards among different states. Human Rights: The duty of states to protect not only their own citizens but also human beings globally.