Global Ethics Corner Podcast

Although he was allegedly retired from the military when the affair took place, the scandal surrounding David Petraeus highlights the different ethical standard that members of the armed services are held to. Should adultery be deemed illegal for military personnel?

As Superstorm Sandy made clear, natural disasters can wreak havoc on rich and poor countries, alike. However, the Western media's coverage often tilts away from the developing world. Is this a problem? What can individuals do to change this?

(This was originally posted on April 23, 2010.) Is it time to reform the U.S. electoral structure? Should more views be represented? Do narrow interests have too much power?

Is the UN right to condemn the death penalty--even if it abides by international law? Or should it stay within the confines of existing human rights legislation, and leave the advocacy of legislative changes to others? What do you think?

Anti-gay legislation is garnering support in Ukraine and many other countries are backtracking on equal rights for homosexuals. Is there anything international institutions can do to stop sovereign nations from passing anti-gay laws? Is condemnation enough?

Now that scientists are able to create fertile mammal eggs using stem cells, many people are asking some tough ethical questions. Has science gone too far this time? How can we manage the benefits of stem cell research, against the potential moral pitfalls?

Under rules codified at the 1961 Vienna Convention, diplomatic missions are generally considered inviolable. But with the murder of Libya Ambassador Chris Stevens in mind, is this special status changing? How can the Vienna Convention be upheld?

With a U.S.-made anti-Islam film angering many in the Muslim world, some are wondering if there is an unbridgeable divide between the two cultures. Is Islam compatible with free speech and democracy? Can trust between the U.S. and Muslim communities be restored?

With the publishing of No Easy Day, a tell-all from a retired Navy SEAL about the raid that killed bin Laden, questions are being asked about how much the public needs to know. Should free speech be limited when it comes to national security matters?

It's been about 20 years since South Africa emerged from apartheid, but a recent series of violent confrontations between police and striking mine workers have exposed the bitter divisions of the rainbow nation. Can South Africa remain a peaceful and prosperous example for Africa?

With the crisis in Syria escalating, many analysts think a lasting resolution will be found in an internationally negotiated comprehensive settlement. Is a grand bargain possible in Syria? Is this idea overrated, in any case?

Do the presidential nominating conventions still serve a purpose in American politics? Do these events need to be reformed or scaled down? Or should they be scrapped altogether?

From jailing bloggers in Ethiopia to legislating religion-neutral clothing in France, censorship takes many forms. Is censorship ever warranted, even if it's used to promote tolerance? Or should the American model, in which the First Amendment reigns, be the world's standard?

The London Olympics are unfolding as Britain endures a severe recession. With a $17 billion price tag, are the Olympics worth it for a nation going through financial difficulties? Or does the glory of the games and the temporary economic boost make them a wise investment?

The gun control debate in the United States has been revived in the wake of the Aurora massacre. With thousands of firearm-related homicides each year in the U.S., should it be harder to buy a gun? Or is gun ownership a core liberty that defines the American way of life?