Disinformation and Lawfare (McCain 2021 – Day 8)
McCain Conference 2021 – Day 8 This session focuses on the ethics surrounding disinformation and lawfare, with discussions led by experts on the complex challenges posed by misinformation campaigns and the use of legal systems as a tool for manipulation in international conflicts. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas in distinguishing between legitimate legal actions […]
Ethics, Cyber, Election Manipulation, George Lucas, Jens David Ohlin (McCain 2021 – Day 7)
McCain Conference 2021 – Day 7 This session focuses on the ethical implications of cyber operations and election manipulation. George Lucas and Jens David Ohlin discussed how cyber activities, especially those aimed at influencing elections, challenge traditional ethical frameworks. They explored the difficulties in defining and enforcing norms in cyberspace and the potential consequences of […]
Hostage Taking and Media Warfare, Tami Meisels, Dr. Michael Gross (McCain 2021 – Day 6)
McCain Conference 2021 – Day 6 Tami Meisels and Dr. Michael Gross examined the ethical implications of hostage-taking and media warfare. They discussed the complexities of dealing with hostages in conflict zones, the moral challenges posed by terrorist demands, and the manipulation of media for strategic purposes. The conversation highlighted the need for ethical guidelines […]
The Ethics of Grey Zone Operations, Ed Barrett, Helen Frowe (McCain 2021 – Day 5)
McCain Conference 2021 – Day 5 Ed Barrett and Helen Frowe discussed the ethical challenges of “grey zone” operations, which exist between war and peace. They explored the blurred lines in actions like cyber operations, propaganda, and covert activities that challenge traditional ethical and legal frameworks. The conversation emphasized the need for clear ethical guidelines […]
The Ethics of Human Intelligence Collection David Omand, Mitt Regan (McCain 2021 – Day 4)
McCain Conference 2021 – Day 4 David Omand and Mitt Regan discussed the ethical challenges of human intelligence collection. They examined the moral complexities involved in recruiting and handling informants, the use of deception, and the balance between operational necessity and ethical conduct. The conversation also highlighted the importance of oversight, transparency, and adhering to […]
Ethics and Intelligence Gathering, Dr. David Luban, Dr. Tony Pfaff (McCain 2021 – Day 3)
McCain Conference 2021 – Day 3 Dr. David Luban and Dr. Tony Pfaff explored the ethical dimensions of intelligence gathering. They discussed the moral challenges faced by intelligence professionals, including the tension between national security and individual rights. The conversation emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical standards while navigating complex scenarios, such as the use […]
The Ethics of Espionage with Cecile Farber, Michael Skerker (McCain 2021 – Day 2)
McCain Conference 2021 – Day 2 This is a discussion on the ethics of espionage with Cecile Farber and Michael Skerker. The session delved into the moral and ethical considerations in intelligence gathering, particularly the balance between national interests and ethical boundaries. They discussed the challenges posed by covert operations, the implications of deception, and […]
The Ethics of Intelligence Operations, Michael Morell, Mitt Regan (McCain 2021 – Day 1)
McCain Conference 2021 – Day 1 This session features a discussion on the ethics of intelligence operations, with Michael Morell and Mitt Regan. The conversation focused on the moral complexities and ethical dilemmas faced in intelligence work, including the balance between national security and individual rights. They explored the responsibilities of intelligence professionals, the importance […]
Political Revolution As Moral Risk
Author: Patrick Taylor Smith (April 18, 2024 – JSTOR) This paper explores the ethical concept of “dirty hands,” focusing on revolutionaries who violate moral principles through unilateral usurpation, hoping future benefits will justify their actions. It argues that once a revolution successfully improves the common good, the initial wrongdoing becomes less relevant in judging the […]