An International Ethics of Evil?

Abstract

Ethical debates in international relations tend to rely either on the vocabulary of norms or the vocabulary of evil. In an effort to conceive of a richer international ethics, this article explores the possibility of combining the two. Since the vocabulary of norms is indispensable, the question is how to supplement it. The most prevalent conception of evil turns out to be a dangerous and inappropriate supplement, for it posits evil as absolutelynot-self, and as an attribute of foes to be eradicated. The second conception of evil highlights the connections between evil and self. When applied to the international context, this conception encourages self-critical public debates about present and past injustices, helping societies to confront and heal ethnic, racial, and other political wounds. Thus a rich international ethics is best woven out of the vocabulary of norms and the conception of evil as connected-to-self.