Table of Contents
Introduction
The quote highlights the importance of not only expressing the desire for peace but also taking concrete actions to achieve it.
Ethical considerations for powerful nations
- Humanitarian responsibility: Powerful nations have a moral obligation to protect innocent civilians caught in conflicts. This involves avoiding indiscriminate bombing, and prioritizing diplomatic solutions.
-
-
- Eg. Switzerland recently hosted Summit on Peace in Ukraine.
-
- Conflict of interest (self interest vs global good): The US arms industry’s ties to conflicts in the Middle East reflect a conflict of interest. For example, Lockheed Martin and other defence manufacturers benefit from massive arms deals with countries involved in regional wars.
-
-
- Powerful nations should take steps to reduce arms trade to conflict-prone regions by stricter export control.
-
- Resolution efforts: Powerful nations should provide financial and logistical support to international peacekeeping missions.
-
-
- Eg. India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, which aim to stop conflicts and stabilize post-war situations.
-
- Accountability and transparency: Lack of transparency in arms deals demonstrates an ethical failing as profit motives override the ethical considerations
- Addressing the root causes of conflict: Providing development assistance, promoting good governance and supporting human rights to create more stable societies and reducing the likelihood of conflict.
-
- Eg. India has supported Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process and implemented various development projects there.
Conclusion
Thus, there is a need to balance the economic and strategic interests of powerful nations with their moral duty to promote peace and work toward a more stable and just international order. India’s efforts to prevent conflicts through non-alignment, peacekeeping and promoting dialogue can serve as a guiding light to the other nations.