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 13, 2011 • Podcast
Economics of Good and Evil: The Quest for Economic Meaning from Gilgamesh to Wall Street
Why pretend that economics is value free? It's a product of our civilization and riddled with moral judgements, says Sedlacek. By separating economics from ethics ...
SEP 27, 2011 • Article
Sustainability Leader Michael Bloomberg
As part of our September Sustainability Month, the Carnegie Council honors Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his values-based vision and environmental leadership--both local and global.
SEP 22, 2011 • Podcast
In an Era of Increased Transparency, A New Approach to Business Branding
As he retools Lipman, a New York advertising agency, Michael Mendenhall discusses a new approach to branding. He also talks about how companies' ethics are ...
SEP 21, 2011 • Podcast
Jackson-Vanik: Time for Reconsideration?
The Jackson-Vanik amendment has been imposed on Russia for 37 years. Is it time for repeal? This event is in cooperation with EastWest Institute.
SEP 16, 2011 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Genocide Denial in Rwanda: Dealing with the Past or Subverting Democracy?
Do laws that make it a crime to deny the existence of genocide help to lessen the chances of renewed conflict? Or, do they stifle ...
SEP 15, 2011 • Article
SUSTAINABILITY FORUM: The Population and Sustainability Debate
According to UN projections, our world will be home to more than 9 billion people by 2050, increasing competition for livable space and critical resources such as ...
SEP 9, 2011 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Ten Years After 9/11: What Have We Learned?
As we take stock of the decade since 9/11, the lessons we have learned are still unclear. Ten years on, analysts impart contentious lessons that may ...
SEP 8, 2011 • Transcript
In Search of a Global Ethic
Life on earth is fast becoming a shared destiny, and a global ethic is no longer a luxury but a necessity. If we can create ...
SEP 8, 2011 • Podcast
In Search of a Global Ethic
Life on earth is fast becoming a shared destiny, and a global ethic is no longer a luxury but a necessity. If we can create ...
SEP 7, 2011 • Article
SUSTAINABILITY FORUM: What are the Limitations and Benefits of the Sustainability Approach?
Is sustainability the only, or even the most desirable framework for environmental issues? What are the limitations and benefits of the sustainability approach, and what ...