Larger Systems: Economy, Environment, Technology

Reflection: Sef Ashiagbor

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The clean energy transition involves a complex web of ethical dilemmas for individuals; research institutions; associations; corporations; government institutions; international platforms; and intergenerational considerations. Based on existing principles and protocols on human rights, the environment and transparency and accountability in government, guidelines for addressing some of these ethical dilemmas are clearer than others. In addition, […]

The most consequential ethical dilemmas surrounding the clean energy transition

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The clean energy transition is not optional. It is a moral imperative to combat climate change and protect the planet for future generations. Yet this transformation is far more than a technical challenge. It is a deeply political and ethical question about how we share costs and benefits in a world marked by inequality. 

Phasing out fossil fuels is essential, but it comes with serious consequences. Communities that depend on coal, oil, and gas face job losses and economic disruption. Countries whose budgets rely on fossil revenues risk fiscal crisis. Renewable energy can create new opportunities, but these jobs are not always accessible to those who lose their old ones.

Passing judgement on organizations that offer me research consultancies ?

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Is it really my place as an academic researcher to pass judgement on organizations that offer me research consultancies in areas that align with my expertise? After all, my research is unbiased and well executed. Isn’t it better that I provide clients with sound academic research rather than turn down their work, which increases the […]

Political Economy Analysis with an International Organization

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I have been invited by an international organization to engage in a political economy / institutional analysis. I have limited specific expertise on the country in question — but considerable experience with such work in other countries in the region that could be helpful for comparative purposes. I think I could contribute important analytical perspective […]

Engaging With Policymakers

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The challenges: The background and policy setting: The goals of my policy engagement have been to learn: 1) why and how economic policy thinking, and practice shifts after crises and failures; 2) how institutions deal with evidence of the limits of their expertise, which are often made visible in the context of such crises; 3) […]

Engaging on the Creation of Cybersecurity Norms

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The challenge: How to advise on complex phenomena (creating cybersecurity norms) when the narrative surrounding them is oversimplified. The background and policy setting: Martha Finnemore is a noted expert on norms in international relations. Around 2010 she was enlisted to help develop norms around cybersecurity. Recognizing the difficulty of generating “harder” law or treaties in […]

Ethics of Engagement