Framing ethical perspectives
As countries grapple with global issues, such as climate change and the impact of emerging technology, the way that nations interact has never been more consequential. Our experts, programming, and impact initiatives work to analyze the foreign policy of the United States and other nations with an aim to explore shared values and produce agenda-setting resources.
Foreign Policy Resources
International affairs, global governance, and more
DEC 15, 2025 • Video
The Ethics of Decision-Making in National Security
APR 9, 2026 • Article
Realism vs. Pragmatism: Understanding America’s New Rhetorical Landscape
Amid Trump's fiery rhetoric and debates over "realism," Professor Jason Ralph writes that "pragmatism" may offer a better alternative for the American public.
AUG 14, 2025 • Podcast
Values, Realism, and U.S. Foreign Policy, with Alexander Vindman
Alexander Vindman joins "Values & Interests" to discuss the critical interplay between morality and power in the practice of geopolitics.
Related Initiatives
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.
Model International Mobility Convention
The primary goal of the Model International Mobility Convention (MIMC) is to formulate new rules for migration and asylum that can benefit both migrants and refugees as well as their states of origin, transit, and destination.
Explore Our Foreign Policy Resources
JAN 21, 2001 • Transcript
Six Nightmares: Real Threats in a Dangerous World and How America Can Meet Them
Anthony Lake argues that the United States cannot afford to be lax about its security in a world plagued by episodes of high terrorism and ...
OCT 16, 2000 • Article
The Yugoslav Elections: Predicted Scenarios and the U.S. Response
Balkans forum participants discuss Kostunica's surprise victory and the next steps towards democratic consolidation in Serbia.
SEP 18, 2000 • Article
U.S. Policy in the Balkans: Priorities for a New Administration
For the last ten years the succession of crises in the Balkans has challenged the international community to devise a long-term policy aimed at resolving ...
MAY 12, 1999 • Article
Morgenthau Lecture: National Interest in the Information Age
In the eighteenth Morgenthau Lecture, Harvard's Professor Joe Nye provides several reasons why the information age is likely to enhance rather than diminish American power.
JUN 5, 1998 • Article
Human Rights Dialogue (1994–2005): Series 1, Number 11 (Summer 1998): Toward a "Social Foreign Policy" with Asia: The Relevance of Social Problems to International Affairs: Why a Social Dimension to Foreign Policy Is Vital to U.S.-East Asia Relations
Mark Malloch Brown stresses the importance of a social awareness when the U.S. and East Asian countries are involved in foreign policy affairs in ...
JUN 5, 1998 • Article
Human Rights Dialogue (1994–2005): Series 1, Number 11 (Summer 1998): Toward a "Social Foreign Policy" with Asia: The Relevance of Social Problems to International Affairs: Bringing Lessons Home: A Perspective from USAID
Ann Van Dusen provides a USAID perspective on foriegn assistance in East Asia while also dealing with the perception back in the U.S. about ...
JUN 5, 1998 • Article
Human Rights Dialogue (1994–2005): Series 1, Number 11 (Summer 1998): Toward a "Social Foreign Policy" with Asia: Cultural and Institutional Requisites for a Shared Problems Approach: The Challenges to a Shared Problems Approach to Foreign Policy
Catharin Dalpino asks, how do you nudge the U.S. government toward a shared problems approach? Dalpino has some recommendations and address the obstacles in ...
JUN 5, 1998 • Article
Human Rights Dialogue (1994–2005): Series 1, Number 11 (Summer 1998): Toward a "Social Foreign Policy" with Asia: Cultural and Institutional Requisites for a Shared Problems Approach: Does Culture Matter?
Abdullahi A. An-Naím addresses the problem of culture’s relevance. In particular he underscores the notion that globalization is not a power-neutral process.
MAY 12, 1998 • Article
Morgenthau Lecture: Directions in U.S. Foreign Policy: Interests and Ideals
More people are living in democracies, thanks in large part to globalization, says Anthony Lake, but there has also been an erosion of national sovereignty.
MAY 26, 1996 • Article
Morgenthau Lecture: The Future of the United States as a Great Power
William Pfaff points to the danger of the U.S. harking back to an isolationist past. He urges leaders to be morally responsible.