What is CEFA?
CEFA is the Centre for Ethical Foreign Affairs.
Why does CEFA exist?
The Centre for Ethical Foreign Affairs exist to make the world a better place, by encouraging international actors, great and small, to act on ethics, not just interests.
How will CEFA do that?
The Centre for Ethical Foreign Affairs is a virtual think tank. It considers and presents material on how ethics impact on foreign concerns.
How can CEFA promote ‘ethics’ when there’s so much disagreement on the topic?
Yes, people disagree on what they should do in certain situations, and what ‘right’ and ‘good’ mean. But some of that disagreement arises from confusion which can be dispelled, so the argument is settled. Also, there is much agreement on what should and shouldn’t be done. Through thought and discussion, people can come to understand how to be more ethical.
Why shouldn’t countries just follow their own interests?
Many do, and it leads to all sorts of problems – both within countries, and between them. Most countries already accept they should moderate their own behaviour by adhering to international agreements, such as respecting borders so they don’t invade their neighbours. Enlightened self-interest is the first step to being ethical. To go further, foreign affairs should put people first, ahead of national interests, and consider ethics more widely, and at all levels of international decision-making.
How does CEFA resolve ethical dilemmas?
Sometimes we can’t. But understanding ethics can still improve decision-making, and make it easier to tackle the hardest issues.
So, CEFA just offers ethical analysis and advice?
It offers that and more, including:
- Analysis of ethical issues in foreign affairs
- A space for different viewpoints on what is right in foreign affairs to be aired
- Teaching of ethical behaviour in foreign affairs
- Guidance for people who work in international affairs, including diplomats, development practitioners, and the military
- Institutional reforms which seek to embed ethical norms or yield ethical outcomes
- Best practice in foreign affairs
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