Carnegie Council Podcasts

Do Morals Matter? Presidents & Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump, with Joseph Nye

Feb 4, 2020
Joseph Nye, former dean of the Harvard Kennedy School and an expert in international relations, discusses the moral dimensions of U.S. foreign policy from FDR to Trump. He evaluates how ethical considerations influence decisions, from Truman's nuclear choices to the Iraq War. Nye critiques American exceptionalism, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of national interests that includes humanitarian responsibilities. He highlights the importance of context, emotional intelligence, and legality in ethical governance, revealing the intricate balance presidents must strike.
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