Portrait of Hans J. Morgenthau by O. Donnandi.
Ethics in International Affairs from the Archives
In honor of renowned international relations scholar Hans J. Morgenthau, a longtime advisor and trustee of Carnegie Council, the Morgenthau Memorial Lecture series ran from 1981 to 2006.
As Carnegie Council President Joel Rosenthal said, this series "provides us with an opportunity to revisit the profound themes suggested in Professor Morgenthau's work, particularly the timeless themes of ethics and politics, conscience and power."
Showcasing the most distinguished thinkers on ethics and international affairs, these lectures helped to set the agenda for the Council's work and are still relevant as the world faces new global challenges.
Featured Lectures
National Interest in the Information Age, with Professor Joseph S. Nye, Jr.
Speaking in 1999, Harvard's Professor Nye provides several reasons why the information age is likely to enhance rather than diminish American power.
Human Rights and Asian Values, with Professor Amartya Sen
In this valuable 1997 lecture, Nobel Prize-winner Amartya Sen points to intellectual strands within Asian thought that value human rights.
Thoughts on Man's Purpose in Life Context, with Admiral Hyram G. Rickover
In this 1982 lecture, Admiral Rickover, known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy," considers our human need to find purpose and meaning in our lives.
Read or Download the Full Lectures
MAY 26, 1984 • Article
Morgenthau Lecture: Interest and Conscience in Modern Diplomacy
Israeli diplomat Abba Eban examines modern developments that are said to have vitiated the power of modern-day diplomacy, refuting each in turn.
MAY 12, 1983 • Article
Morgenthau Lecture: FDR's Good Neighbor Policy Revisited
Mexican diplomat Francisco Cuevas-Cancino pays tribute to FDR for pursuing a Latin American policy based on moral principles while also serving U.S. interests.
MAY 12, 1982 • Article
Morgenthau Lecture: Thoughts on Man's Purpose in Life
Admiral Hyman George Rickover considers our human need to find purpose and meaning in our lives.
DEC 12, 1981 • Article
Morgenthau Lecture: Power and Morality in Global Transformation
Indonesian intellectual Soedjatmoko says the time has come to develop "the legal infrastructure that will enable us to manage our globe peacefully, equitably, and effectively . . ."