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 […]

Israeli Defense Force on Moral Character Development and Assessment

Dr. Shani Al-Mogg and Ms. Ilet Bekovitz from the IDF discussed military leadership and assessment processes. Al-Mogg highlighted the IDF’s leadership framework, focusing on personality traits, resilience, and professional abilities, emphasizing mission-centric leadership and the responsibility of commanders toward their subordinates. Leadership development in the IDF includes knowledge acquisition, personal awareness, skill development, self-efficacy, role […]

US Air Force & Coast Guard: Moral Character, Development, Assessment

At the McCain Conference, Dr. Tom Torkelson highlighted the Center for Character and Leadership Development’s mission to create leaders of character through values-driven education and practical experiences. Mr. Adam Silver discussed various assessment methods, including surveys and outdoor experiential education, emphasizing the importance of targeted assessments and triangulated data. Ms. Sarah Wylie addressed low survey […]

UK Navy and Marines on Moral Character Development and Assessment

Tony Raya and Stuart McCrimmon emphasized the importance of ethics, culture, and leadership in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Raya discussed building “moral armor” through education, training, and cultural assessments, stressing leadership’s role in upholding ethical standards and addressing moral challenges. McCrimmon introduced Project Jaywick to transform leadership training, focusing on resilience, student-led learning, […]

US Army on Moral Character Development and Assessment

This panel discussion addresses character development and assessment at West Point, featuring Dr. Yasmine Calstein, Dr. Peter Mindel, and Dr. Elise Dykes. They explore the integration of character education into West Point’s curriculum, emphasizing motivation, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. They discuss programs like honor education, intrapersonal development, and leader challenge. The panel also highlights the […]

Philosophical Perspectives on Moral Character II

Dr. James Giordano is a distinguished professor in Neurology and Biochemistry at Georgetown University and a fellow at the Stockdale Center. Dr. Josh Stuchlik, a moral philosopher, teaches at the University of St. Thomas and was a fellow at the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study. Lastly, Dr. Patrick Smith, a Stockdale Center fellow and […]