Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the existence of international institutions (e.g., UN, WTO) aimed at ensuring fairness in international relations.
- Mention that despite these institutions, states often prioritize their own interests over moral values.
2. Reason 1: Sense of Insecurity
- Discuss how mutual distrust leads countries to act in self-interest.
- Fact: North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons despite commitments to peace (Source: International Atomic Energy Agency).
3. Reason 2: Just War Theory
- Explain the moral dilemmas faced during wartime.
- Fact: The U.S. decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during WWII (Source: U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey).
4. Reason 3: Aspirations for Regional Supremacy
- Discuss how countries prioritize regional dominance over ethical considerations.
- Fact: China’s military support for Pakistan despite international concerns (Source: Asia-Pacific Security Studies).
5. Reason 4: Colonial Hangover
- Provide an example of interference in domestic affairs.
- Fact: British Parliament’s discussions on Article 370 in India (Source: British House of Commons Records).
6. Reason 5: Distributive Justice
- Discuss the lack of accountability in climate change among developed nations.
- Fact: Developed countries’ reluctance to share the burden of climate change mitigation (Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
7. Conclusion
- Summarize how states’ pursuit of self-interest often leads to the disregard of moral values in international relations.
Relevant Facts for Use in Answers
- North Korea’s Nuclear Program: Pursuit of nuclear weapons despite peace commitments (Source: International Atomic Energy Agency).
- Atomic Bombing of Japan: Ethical considerations during wartime (Source: U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey).
- China’s Support for Pakistan: Regional supremacy aspirations (Source: Asia-Pacific Security Studies).
- British Parliamentary Discussions: Interference in another nation’s internal matters (Source: British House of Commons Records).
- Climate Change Responsibility: Developed nations’ failure to take equitable action (Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
This roadmap will help you construct a concise and effective 150-word answer.
Model Answer
Disregard for Moral Values in International Relations
Despite the existence of various institutions designed to ensure fairness in international relations, states often prioritize their own interests over moral values.
1. Sense of Insecurity
Countries frequently act on the basis of mutual distrust and insecurity. For example, despite commitments to non-violence, nations like North Korea pursue nuclear weapons, undermining global peace efforts.
2. Just War Theory
The ethical considerations surrounding warfare often lead to moral dilemmas. The U.S. decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II is an example where the justification of military action conflicted with humanitarian principles.
3. Regional Supremacy Aspirations
Nations often engage in practices that undermine fairness for regional dominance. China’s support for Pakistan through arms funding and opposition to sanctions illustrates how strategic partnerships can prioritize national interests over ethical considerations.
4. Colonial Hangover
Despite advocating for territorial sovereignty, countries may interfere in others’ affairs. The British Parliament’s discussions regarding the abrogation of Article 370 in India exemplify this contradiction.
5. Distributive Justice
Developed nations, primarily responsible for climate change, often fail to take equitable responsibility in mitigation efforts, highlighting a disregard for collective justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while institutions exist to promote fairness, states frequently disregard these moral frameworks in pursuit of self-interest, leading to significant ethical challenges in global relations.