Framing ethical perspectives
Applied ethics refers to the practical applications of the moral principles that govern behavior. Carnegie Council focuses on this field, mostly through the realm of international affairs, by identifying and addressing the most critical ethical issues of today and tomorrow. Our initiatives, content, and experts analyze the way that governments, institutions, and individuals interact and make choices on global issues, such as climate change, emerging technology, and governance.
Featured Applied Ethics Resources
Practical conversations, decision analysis, and more
MAY 10, 2022 • Podcast
Making Decisions When Values Conflict or Are Prioritized Differently, with Paul Root Wolpe
JUL 5, 2023 • Article
A Framework for the International Governance of AI
Carnegie Council, in collaboration with IEEE, proposes a five-part AI governance framework to enable the constructive use of AI.
APR 12, 2022 • Podcast
Surveillance Tech's Infinite Loop of Harms, with Chris Gilliard
In this discussion with Senior Fellow Arthur Holland Michel, Chris Gilliard explains why the arc of surveillance technology and novel AI bends toward failures that ...
Related Initiatives
Carnegie Ethics Accelerator
The Carnegie Ethics Accelerator is a new kind of incubator designed to empower ethics in the face of swiftly evolving challenges in technology and public policies.
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.
Carnegie Ethics Fellows
The Carnegie Ethics Fellows program (CEF) seeks to cultivate the next generation of ethical global leaders across business, policy, technology, NGOs, and academia.
Explore Our Applied Ethics Resources
MAR 18, 2025 • Podcast
Small States, Mutual Respect, and the Future of the International System, with Ambassador Ali Naseer Mohamed
Ambassador Ali Naseer Mohamed, permanent representative of the Maldives to the UN, discusses the vital role of small states at this critical global moment.
FEB 26, 2025 • Podcast
A World without USAID? with Andrew Natsios
Andrew Natsios, former USAID administrator, discusses humanitarianism as a moral principle and the potential geopolitical consequences of the shuttering of the aid organization.
FEB 20, 2025 • Podcast
Morality and Power from the Individual to the Institution, with Joel Rosenthal
For the inaugural episode of "Values & Interests" Joel Rosenthal unpacks the complex and challenging relationship between morality and power in our personal lives and geopolitics.
NOV 13, 2024 • Article
An Ethical Grey Zone: AI Agents in Political Deliberations
As adoption of agentic AI increases, it is critical for researchers and policymakers to agree on ethical principles to inform governance of this emerging technology.
SEP 25, 2024 • Article
Politico Op-Ed: Walking a Fraying Nuclear Tightrope
In a new op-ed, Carnegie Council President Joel Rosenthal argues that a recommitment to nuclear arms control is nothing short of a moral imperative.
JUL 23, 2024 • Video
Global Leadership in a Turbulent Time: A Conversation with Professor Abiodun Williams
In this roundtable discussion, Tufts University's Professor Abiodun Williams speaks about the essential leadership traits needed to drive institutional change.
MAY 30, 2024 • Article
A Reflection on Climate Mobility: Has Causality Lost Resonance?
With the recent European Court of Human Rights' ruling against Switzerland in mind, Dr. Mehreen Afzal discusses a legal pathway forward for climate-induced cross-border migration.
APR 30, 2024 • Podcast
Is AI Just an Artifact? with Joanna Bryson
In this episode, host Anja Kaspersen is joined by Hertie School's Joanna Bryson to discuss the intersection of computational, cognitive, and behavioral sciences, and AI.
FEB 27, 2024 • Video
A Carnegie Council Conversation with the UK Home Secretary
In this speech, the UK Home Secretary outlined the range of opportunities and challenges faced by countries as a consequence of migration.
FEB 15, 2024 • Video
Charles W. Kegley, Jr. Lecture Series: A Place for Ethics in World Politics
In the inaugural Charles W. Kegley, Jr. Lecture, Stephen Hibbard, former chair of Carnegie Council, discusses "A Place for Ethics in World Politics."