Diplomacy and Ethics

This chapterDiplomacyand ethics examines the interweaving of diplomatic practice and ethicsEthics in international relationsInternationalrelations. Initially, the chapter establishes that peacePeace, freedom and justiceJustice are fundamental valuesValues in interstate relations. It then outlines both historical and contemporary ethical frameworks in diplomacy, referring on the work of various international relationsInternationalrelations scholars. The chapter explores the ethical models that have influenced the theory of diplomacy including classical Greek, Machiavellian, Kantian, and Marxist ethics. These models are then evaluated for their influence on contemporary diplomatic ethics. The chapter also examines the different approaches between realist and idealist conceptions of diplomacy and ethicsDiplomacyand ethics. A significant part of the chapter is devoted to the concept of the “Responsibility to ProtectResponsibility to Protect (R2P),” through which the relationship between state sovereigntySovereignty and humanitarian interventionHumanitarian intervention is explored, especially in cases of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. In this context, the relationship between national interest and international ethical standards is also addressed. It is argued that diplomacy, in addition to pursuing state, national, and societal interests, must adhere to basic ethical principles in order to promote cooperationCooperation and understanding in the complex international environment.