“Wars begin where ethics ends.”
In today’s world, conflicts persist not only because of political disputes but also due to powerful economic interests, especially the global arms industry.
Role of major weapon industries in continuation of wars
Profit motive – Eg- Surge in global arms sales after Ukraine war.
Wars act as “testing grounds”
Lobbying in foreign policy. Eg- Military-industrial complex in the US.
Arms exports to conflict zones – Eg- Saudi Arabia as larget defence importer
Proxy wars – Eg- supply of arms to terrorist organisations
Economic dependence – Jobs and revenue from defence industry.
Capitalising on security dilemma.
Ethical considerations for powerful nations to stop ongoing conflicts
Deontology over Utilitarianism by prioritizing duty to protect human life over GDP growth. Eg- Restrict arms to regimes violating human rights.
Ethical assessment of short and long term damage of war. Eg- over 1.4 million Russian deaths in Ukraine war
Responsibility to prevent harm – Eg- Arms embargoes in active war zones.
Non-complicity principle to avoid moral responsibility for atrocities. Eg- Stopping arms to Saudi Arabia during Yemen war.
Adherence to ethical standards of the Arms Trade treaty
Addressing Strategic Hypocrisy- Eg- advocating for a “Rules-Based Order” while signing multi-billion dollar arms deals.
Support for peace processes – Eg- UN-led peace talks.
Transparency and accountability – Eg- Parliamentary approval for arms sales.
Disarmament leadership. Eg- Nuclear disarmament treaties.
Ethical foreign policy – Values-based diplomacy over realpolitik.
Corporate responsibility – Eg- Arms export compliance laws.
Transitioning to “Peace Economies”. Eg- Investing in Green Technology as alternatives to defense manufacturing
Real peace requires a “Moral Disinvestment” from war. This can be achieved by taming “Will to Power” of the defense industry by “rationality” and “moral duty” of the state.