Be Mains Ready

Approach

Approach

• Describe ‘international morality’ and its broader dimensions applicable in today’s geopolitics.
• Highlight its importance vis-a-vis current problems of trade wars, disturbance in middle east, nuclear arms race, muscular positioning of China, refugee problem etc.
• Elaborate on the need for ‘international morality’ in dealing with the case of Rohingya refugees.

Introduction

• International morality is an area of international relations theory which concerns the extent and scope of ethical obligations between countries.
• Ethical questions are central to the study of international relations as issues like war and peace, international trade, international laws and global organizations; global climate change etc involve many ethical questions.

Body

Importance of International Morality

• Peaceful world: Morality in international affairs enhances probability of a peaceful world order without wars and violent incidents and promotes the welfare of people.
• Just world order: It promotes democratic world order based on equality where developing nations will have equal representations in important global institutions like IMF, World Bank, UN etc.
• Human Rights: International morality protects human rights by curbing unnecessary wars and violent conflict. Further helping people suffering from conflicts e.g. Syrian refugees allowed in Europe.
• Justice and equity: International morality promotes justice and equity by supporting poor countries e.g. Climate justice recognizes responsibility of rich nation in climate financing.

Need for ‘international morality’ in dealing with the case of Rohingya refugees.

The Rohingya living in the Rakhine State of Myanmar were forced to flee their homes due to violence to Bangladesh and India. They were subject to discrimination for years and not recognized as citizens.

• Human rights: Rohingya issue is intricately related to human rights of refugees. Neighboring countries like Bangladesh and India have moral responsibility to provide these refugees with food and shelter.
• Political asylum: Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that everyone has the right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. This raises the question of accountability of countries refusing protection to Rohingyas.
• Violation of international humanitarian laws: According to Amnesty International the Myanmar army committed extensive violations of international humanitarian law. Such transgressions at institutional level demands International action in spirit of ‘International morality’ e.g. UN Security Council issued a presidential statement calling for an end to the violence and for the restrictions on humanitarian aid to be lifted.

Way Forward

• Need for ‘International morality’ is gaining significance in an increasingly global and conflict ridden world.
• Excessive focus on ‘national interest’ is cause of increasing conflict e.g. ensuing trade war between the USA and China has put global economy recovery in danger. In a highly integrated world, national interest needs to be tempered with International morality, and the stakeholders should desist from narrow viewpoints which hampers growth of all.