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
MAR 13, 2026 • Video
Character and Leadership: A Conversation with Lt. General (ret.) Mark Hertling
FEB 20, 2026 • Podcast
Keeping it Real(ism), with Assoc. Professor Paul Poast
With realism having a political moment, Paul Poast discusses the intellectual roots of the theory and how it's being applied in U.S. foreign policy.
DEC 11, 2025 • Video
Re-examining our Capacity for Just Peace
Watch this discussion featuring distinguished experts reflecting on the state of war in 2025 and the obstacles to achieving just peace.
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
OCT 12, 2012 • Podcast
Senator Richard Lugar on Nuclear Weapons Reduction
Senator Lugar tells the dramatic story of his bipartisan work on the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program (also known as Nunn–Lugar), which provides funding and ...
OCT 10, 2012 • Podcast
Frank Vogl on Corruption
Corruption is not a victimless crime, as many believe. Transparency International's Frank Vogl discusses the global, grass-roots fight against this age-old problem.
OCT 3, 2012 • Podcast
Jon Quong on Self-Defense
What conditions make it permissible for one person to kill another? And what does it mean if the theories that we've used as the basis ...
OCT 1, 2012 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Is Local Food More Ethical?
With real economic benefits and perceived environmental ones, local food has been branded as an ethical alternative to the mass-produced variety. But critics point out ...
OCT 1, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Boat Migrants to Australia Deserve Their Refugee Rights
Asylum seekers who come to Australia by boat have been accused of jumping the queue in the immigration process, but are they really gaining an ...
SEP 26, 2012 • Podcast
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
"Haidt is one of the smartest and most creative psychologists alive, and his newest book, "The Righteous Mind," is a tour de force--a brave, brilliant ...
SEP 24, 2012 • Podcast
Ethics Matter: Dambisa Moyo on How Aid to Africa is Harmful
Aid has failed to create economic growth, says Moyo, and allows governments to evade their responsibilities. So when people say that aid provides essential services, ...
SEP 19, 2012 • Transcript
Peace: What Is it Good for?
Andrew Carnegie was ahead of his time; he questioned the essence of imperial Great Power politics and offered an alternate future. He debunked the glorification ...
SEP 19, 2012 • Podcast
Peace: What Is it Good for?
Andrew Carnegie was ahead of his time; he questioned the essence of imperial Great Power politics and offered an alternate future. He debunked the glorification ...
AUG 23, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: New Approaches to Humanitarian Migration
Many people cross international borders because their lives have been ruined by an earthquake, flood, drought, or hurricane. But they face a black hole of ...