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Commitment to universal Values

Q. While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honored more in the breach than in observance. In the context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.

A value is a universal value if it is recognized and considered significant uniformly by all. In the arena of international relations, nation-states recognize the peaceful resolution of international conflict, the quest for justice, respect for the dignity of human life, sovereign equality, and humanitarian cooperation and assistance, amongst others as universal values. While most of these values existed as customs since ancient times, their codification became significant in the aftermath of World War II. More breach than observance

Though, most nations claim their commitment to the universal values, but on many occasions, they find it difficult to conduct their foreign policy based on these values. It is because the foreign policy in contemporary times is governed by realpolitik which places national interest on top. International relations are conducted with self-interest and in the background of war or a threat of war. This is evident from the way the power is exercised or projected by instruments such as joint military exercises or imposition of ” sanctions’ or higher tariff on imports. However universal values are critical factors in dealing with global issues like the climate change or Human rights crisis in some states or communicable disease and medical research

For example, while most countries pledge their commitment to non-interference and peaceful conduct of foreign policy, in reality, they are involved in power maximization which pits them against their co- aspirants. Similarly, while most countries pledge commitment to environmental protection, in reality their focus is solely on economic growth, even at the cost of environmental destruction.

In certain cases, some states are compelled to put aside these values in their quest for survival and dignity. For example, India’s pursuit for Nuclear power in spite of its commitment to non-violence and peace.

Relevance of values in foreign policy . Since countries are sovereign entities in themselves, there is no external body that can dictate their actions. Still, despite few aberrations, the world order has shown remarkable tenacity to stick to certain core universal values because they give continuity and predictability in negotiations with a foreign power.

In fact, trust is the key building block of international relations. Pursuing short-sighted interests may bring immediate benefits to countries but it undermines the trust of the world order in them. If a country undermines a treaty or unilaterally backs-off from it, it disincentives other as well. After witnessing two world wars in 3 decades, any conflict of such scale for next 70 years has been avoided, in part due to this adherence. Democracy is one such universal value to which many erstwhile Asian and African colonies have shown allegiance to.

India’s track record in observance of universal values is second to none. Despite having a hostile neighborhood, India has never been an aggressor. In addition to this humanitarianism has been core of India’s foreign policy. It has been home to highest number of refugees coming from all around the world.