This chapter focuses on international law and morality in the conduct of world politics. This is an alternative approach to the usual power-based diplomatic pursuit of self-interest generally followed by nations. It would be naive to ignore the reality that most actors, whether they are individuals and groups in domestic political systems or states in the international system, emphasize their own welfare. There are differences, however, in how domestic and international systems work. Domestic systems place greater restraints on the pursuit of self-interest than the international system does.
Most importantly, we must realize that politics does not have to work just one way. Idealists envision a system of international law that contains strong mechanisms to resolve disputes and enforce the law. Realists do not believe that this goal is attainable and suspect that national states will follow the dictates of national interest, ignore the law, and act in a self-serving way, especially on national security and other vital matters. Idealists reply that they are not so foolish as to imagine a perfect world, only a better one.
The activities in this chapter ask you to examine several situations that describe issues of law and morality and come to some conclusions about them. Whether you are an idealist or a realist, you need to understand the differences between law and morality and how those differences influence decisions that are made by governmental officials and individuals.
Examine issues of morality in the modern international legal system by deciding what kind of situations constitute a Just War and what kind of behavior is considered Just Conduct in War. |
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Evaluate the effectiveness of international law by examining the cases current and pending before the World Court and detailing the issues and regions of concern in each case. |
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Discuss adherence to international law by examining the Nuremberg Trials. Which defendants were convicted? What was the pattern of criminal behavior in those convicted? |
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Learn more about international law and issues of morality by visiting some selected Web sites that discuss these issues in great detail. |