At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples.

Ethics and national interest in world affairs

Classical realism holds that states pursue self-interest amorally, producing zero-sum rivalry, arms races and conflict. But unbridled self-interest is self-defeating: it breeds mistrust, insecurity and mutual harm. Ethical consideration - fairness, empathy, restraint and shared responsibility - reframes narrow self-interest as enlightened self-interest, where cooperation serves each nation's long-term good.

How ethics helps resolve tensions

• Building trust: honouring treaties and reciprocity reduces the security dilemma.
• Equity in sharing burdens: the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities in climate talks acknowledges historical fairness and unlocks agreement.
• Humanitarian concern: disaster relief and vaccine sharing build goodwill over rivalry.
• Dialogue over force: Gandhian non-violence and negotiation de-escalate disputes.

Specific examples

• India's 'Neighbourhood First' and Vaccine Maitri, sharing COVID-19 vaccines with poorer nations, earned trust beyond transactional diplomacy.
• The Indus Waters Treaty has survived wars, showing rule-based fairness can outlast hostility.
• The Paris Agreement rests on equity and shared but differentiated duty.
• India's HADR missions and Operation Ganga evacuations reflect humanitarian ethics.

Conclusion

Ethics does not erase national interest; it enlightens it. Nations that temper power with fairness and empathy secure durable peace and their own lasting good, as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam envisions.