Role of Ethics and Emotions in World Politics

UPSC Syllabus: GS2 (International Relations) and GS4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)

Introduction

For decades, International Relations (IR) was primarily understood through the lens of power, security and national interest. Classical realist thinker Hans J. Morgenthau argued that states pursue their national interests in an anarchic international system, where no authority exists above sovereign states.

However, recent developments from the Israel–Hamas conflict and the Russia–Ukraine war to debates over India’s strategic autonomy- show that foreign policy is shaped not only by power but also by ethics, emotions, identity, public opinion and moral legitimacy. Role of Ethics and Emotions in World Politics.

Understanding International Relations Beyond National Interest

International Relations (IR) is the study of interactions among states and other global actors. As an academic discipline, it developed mainly after the Second World War. Political scientist Stanley Hoffmann famously described it as “an American Social Science.”

For much of its history, Realism was the dominant theory of international relations. It argues that states primarily pursue power and national interest in an anarchic international system, where no authority exists above sovereign states. While this explains much of global politics, it cannot fully explain why countries provide humanitarian aid, defend human rights, impose sanctions on moral grounds, or cooperate on global challenges such as climate change and pandemics. This shows that national interest alone is no longer sufficient to explain contemporary international relations..

Understanding Ethics and Emotions in World Politics

To better understand such developments, scholars have increasingly highlighted the role of ethics and emotions in international relations.

Ethics refers to the moral principles and values that guide the behaviour of states, leaders and international institutions. It influences ideas of justice, human rights, humanitarian intervention and international law.

Emotions refer to feelings such as fear, empathy, pride, anger and compassion that shape how leaders and societies perceive threats, respond to crises and make foreign policy decisions.

Together, ethics and emotions help explain many foreign policy decisions that cannot be understood through national interest alone.

Why Ethics and Emotions Matter?

Earlier, emotions were often viewed as irrational and irrelevant to diplomacy. However, recent scholarship argues that reason and emotion work together rather than against each other.

According to Neta Crawford, emotions such as fear, grief, pride, empathy and anger shape leaders’ perceptions of threats, influence national identity and generate public support for war or peace.

Ethics is equally important because it provides the moral basis for judging state behaviour, encourages respect for human rights and international law, and helps build trust and cooperation among nations. In other words, emotions are not the opposite of strategy-they are an essential part of strategic decision-making.

Ethics Has Always Been Part of World Politics

Although ethics is often viewed as a recent concern in diplomacy, history suggests otherwise.

During the Cold War, the United States projected itself as the defender of democracy, human rights and individual liberty, while portraying the Soviet Union as authoritarian. The rivalry was therefore ideological as well as strategic.

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth and non-violence inspired civil rights movements across the world. Likewise, Nelson Mandela’s emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation helped South Africa transition peacefully after apartheid.

How Ethics and Emotions Influence World Politics?

Ethics and emotions influence international relations in several important ways.

• Decision-making: Leaders’ ethical beliefs and emotional responses shape decisions during wars, humanitarian crises and peace negotiations.
• Conflict and cooperation: Emotions such as fear, hatred and insecurity may intensify conflicts, whereas empathy, trust and forgiveness promote reconciliation and long-term peace.
• Public opinion: Real-time media coverage of conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, generates public sympathy or outrage, placing pressure on governments to respond.
• Global norms: Ethical principles have influenced the evolution of international norms on human rights, climate justice and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).
• Soft power: A country’s values, humanitarian assistance and cultural diplomacy increasingly strengthen its global influence alongside military and economic power.

Globalisation, Technology and the Changing Nature of Diplomacy

Globalisation and Ethical Concerns– Globalisation has increased interdependence through trade, technology and international institutions. However, unequal benefits between the Global North and the Global South have raised ethical concerns about fairness, climate justice and inclusive development, making justice and shared responsibility central to global governance.

Technology and the Rise of Digital Diplomacy– The growth of AI, social media and digital communication has transformed diplomacy by making conflicts and humanitarian crises visible in real time. As a result, governments increasingly face pressure to respond on both strategic and ethical grounds.

Emerging Challenges for International Relations– Challenges such as cyberattacks, misinformation, climate change and pandemics have reshaped international security. They require countries to balance national interests with ethical responsibilities, making diplomacy increasingly dependent on both strategic thinking and moral credibility.

India’s Perspective

India’s foreign policy seeks to balance strategic realism with ethical values. While pursuing strategic autonomy, India also projects itself as a responsible global actor committed to democracy, pluralism, peaceful coexistence and inclusive development.

India’s ethical approach to international relations is reflected in:

• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The World is One Family”)
• Its status as the world’s largest democracy
• Constitutional values and pluralism
• Its anti-colonial legacy
• Leadership of the Global South
• The legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which promoted sovereign equality, peaceful coexistence and an equitable international order

This vision is also reflected in Article 51 of the Constitution, which directs the State to promote international peace and security and encourage the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Together, these principles strengthen India’s credibility as a responsible global power.

Way Forward

• Balance strategic realism with ethical diplomacy rather than treating them as competing approaches.
• Preserve strategic autonomy while remaining committed to humanitarian values and international law.
• Strengthen India’s soft power through democratic values, cultural diplomacy and development partnerships.
• Reform global institutions to make them more representative and responsive to contemporary realities.
• Promote a fair, rules-based international order capable of addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and pandemics.

Conclusion

International relations today extends far beyond power politics. While national interest remains central, ethics, emotions, identity and public opinion increasingly shape how states behave and how the international community evaluates their actions.

In a world that is more interconnected and transparent than ever before, countries that successfully combine strategic interests with ethical leadership will be better placed to build trust, exercise influence and shape a more stable and just international order.

Source- TH