International Socrates Seminar in Germany Explores the Ethical Challenges of Contemporary War

On October 14–16, the international Socrates Seminar, “The Ethics of Cause and Conduct – Reflections on Contemporary War,” took place in Weimar, Germany. Co-organized by Aspen Institute Germany and Aspen Institute Kyiv, the seminar brought together participants from Ukraine, Germany, and the United States to examine the ethical dimensions of contemporary warfare, the responsibilities of leaders, and the difficult decisions that must be made in times of armed conflict.

Participants explored fundamental questions concerning the moral justification for and limits on the use of force, responsibility for decisions made during wartime, and the ways in which technological advances are reshaping our understanding of the ethics of war. Particular attention was given to the ethical dimensions of defense policy, the setting of security priorities, and the introduction of new technologies.

Ukraine’s experience of Russia’s full-scale war was an important part of these conversations. For Ukraine, questions about the relationship between military necessity, moral responsibility, and human values have immediate practical implications. They are closely connected to decisions made every day by representatives of government institutions, military leadership, business, and civil society under the constant threat of Russian aggression.

Participants representing Aspen Institute Kyiv included:

• Vitaliy Goncharuk — CEO of A19Lab.com;
• Yevheniia Blyzniuk — Founder and CEO of Gradus Research;
• Nataliia Fibrig — Founder and CEO of the NGO Ukraine2Power;
• Nataliia Yakymovych — Founder and Director of Serpen Gallery (Berlin);
• Viktoriia Polishchuk — Partner at MORIS Law Firm;
• Olena Pryvalova — Ambassador of Women in Tech Community.

The seminar was moderated by Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director of the McCain Institute, an international security expert and former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, and Karin von Hippel, former Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), one of the UK’s leading defense and security think tanks.

The seminar was structured around classical and contemporary texts addressing questions of war, morality, and responsibility. Through close reading and collective reflection, participants examined different perspectives on the ethical dilemmas of contemporary conflicts, drew on their professional experiences, and considered the complex decisions facing leaders in times of war.

The international composition of the group made it possible to approach these questions from different national and professional perspectives, bringing theoretical frameworks for understanding the ethics of war into conversation with Ukraine’s practical experience of defending itself against Russian aggression.

Aspen Institute Kyiv extends its gratitude to Aspen Institute Germany for its partnership in organizing the seminar and to all participants for their openness, thoughtful contributions, and willingness to engage with the complex moral and security challenges of our time.