Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

Hannah Arendt's concept that ordinary people can commit evil acts simply by unreflective acceptance of orders and norms.

Describes the concept of ordinary individuals committing evil acts through thoughtlessness and adherence to orders without moral reflection, based on Hannah Arendt's analysis of Adolf Eichmann's trial.

Weapons that can select and engage targets without human intervention, raising legal and ethical questions under international humanitarian law.

The principle that privacy depends on the appropriate flow of information according to social norms within specific contexts. Violations occur when information spreads beyond its intended context.

Deliberate manipulation or fabrication of data to mislead or support false conclusions.

Unauthorized use or reproduction of diplomatic documents or privileges for personal or political gain.

A theory by Jürgen Habermas emphasizing the role of rational dialogue and consensus in establishing moral norms and legitimacy in democratic societies.

A feminist ethical theory emphasizing relational interdependence and responsibility over abstract principles.

Communication that attacks or discriminates against a person or group based on attributes like race, religion, or ethnicity.

Legal criteria that must be met before engaging in war, including just cause and legitimate authority.

A moral framework that evaluates the justification and conduct of war based on principles like legitimate authority and proportionality.

Ethical and legal arguments used to legitimize the initiation or conduct of armed conflict.

A principle stating that individual freedom should only be limited to prevent harm to others, supporting liberty and autonomy.

The idea that individuals should be free to act unless their actions harm others.

A method proposed by John Stuart Mill to evaluate the moral worth of actions based on their consequences, balancing pleasure and pain to maximize overall happiness.

John Stuart Mill's concept advocating individual freedom unless it harms others, emphasizing personal autonomy and expression.

John Stuart Mill’s assertion that individual freedom should only be limited to prevent harm to others.

John Stuart Mill’s ethical theory that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Martha Nussbaum emphasized enabling individuals' capabilities as a framework for assessing justice and human development.

Excluding or ignoring individuals or groups in social or media contexts to silence dissent.

John Rawls’s method of testing moral intuitions by balancing principles and judgments for coherent justice.

The movement of personnel between roles as legislators or regulators and positions in industries affected by the legislation or regulation.

Hannah Arendt's concept that ordinary people can commit horrific acts through thoughtlessness and conformity.

A method of determining the morality of issues by imagining decision-makers ignorant of their own social status, to ensure fairness.

Rawls's method for determining principles of justice by imagining decision-makers unaware of their own social status or natural abilities.

Journalism focused on monitoring and exposing wrongdoing or abuses of power to hold authorities accountable.