[Full Paper].pdf

A NEED FOR AN INDIGENOUS APPROACH" by Huma Baqai discusses the importance of ethics in international relations, particularly in the context of developing countries like Pakistan. The author argues that the current discourse on ethics in foreign policy is dominated by Western thought, which emphasizes democracy, human rights, and free markets, but often leads to violence and a trust deficit in the world. The article highlights the need for an indigenous approach to ethics in international relations, one that takes into account the cultural, religious, and historical context of non-Western societies. The author also critiques the positivist approach to international relations, which prioritizes hard-core empiricism over morality and ethics. The article examines the relationship between democracy and ethics, arguing that the champions of democracy have often been comfortable dealing with authoritarian regimes when it suits their interests. The author also discusses the politics of human rights, arguing that the concept of human rights has been imposed on non-Western societies by Western powers, often with disastrous consequences. Overall, the article argues that a more nuanced and context-specific approach to ethics in international relations is needed, one that takes into account the diversity of cultures and societies in the world.