2020-2021: Global Ethics in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities

As the COVID-19 pandemic works its way across the globe, few if any nations are immune from unprecedented threats to health and economic stability. One commentator posits that the crisis is forcing us to "rethink how the world works together." And other daunting questions arise: What ethical, political, and economic questions about the international world order were being framed before the pandemic, and have those questions changed in nature or become all the more important? In 2020-21, the Mudd Center for Ethics and the Center for International Education will collaborate on a vital series exploring the nature of ethical responsibilities in international relations pre- and post-pandemic, the moral consequences of various approaches to foreign policy, and the potential replacements for the post-World War II liberal international order. Speakers from different perspectives and disciplines will probe the implications of the crisis for public health, the global economy, and continuing concerns over climate change and food shortages. We hope to prompt serious discussion of these and other issues that appear to have put "global ethics" at the top of the current policy agenda.

Below is a list of upcoming theme-related events and activities. To receive information about these and other Mudd Center events, please join our mailing list.

Speakers and Events

Amb. Reuben Brigety

Talk Title: "Black Lives Matter - An International Moment"
Thursday, September 24

Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter

Talk Title: "Renewing the Promise of America: Looking Back to Move Forward."
Thursday, October 15

Elizabeth Kolbert

Talk Title: "Climate Change and Its Impact on the World Order" (moderated conversation)
Thursday, October 29

Dr. Jonathan Wortham

Talk Title: "Ethical Problems in Public Health Practice."
Thursday, January 28

Prof. Valerie Hudson

Talk Title: "The First Political Order: How Sex Shapes Governance and National Security Worldwide."
Monday, February 15

Prof. Felix Kwame Yeboah

Talk Title: "Africa's Youth and Agrifood System: Pathways for Job Creation and Economic Transformation."
Monday, March 15

Prof. Jason De León

Talk Title: "Understanding the Politics of Migrant Life and Death along the US/Mexico Border"
Tuesday, May 4, 5:00pm