Michael Ignatieff's Beliefs

Michael Ignatieff is “a liberal interventionist, a member of that small group of thinkers who support military action on the basis of left-leaning ideals, particularly the global defence of democracy and human rights.” (Michael Ignatieff, p971) His worldview can be summarized by “his belief in the principles of cosmopolitanism, the universality of democracy and human rights, pragmatism, and a willingness to use force in the defence of these ideals.”(p 972) I agree with many of Ignatieff’s beliefs because they present a logical morally sound way to carry out Canadian foreign policy.

                To begin, Michael Ignatieff believes in cosmopolitanism. This way of thinking about ethics and responsibilities means that “when a group of people is in dire need anywhere, we cannot ignore our obligation to help them: we must act.” (972) Not only does this doctrine allow us to help those in need, but it “is doubly attractive because it reinforces our own claims to dignity and human rights”. (974) Ignatieff also believes in the universality and human rights which gives direction to his cosmopolitanism. With his ultimate goal of spreading democracy and human rights, Ignatieff is again hitting two birds with one stone as he helps countries that are suffering under dictatorship and keeping the world safer for the people of Canada; “it reduces the likelihood of war both within and among states…democracy disciplines and constrains radical political parties, forcing them to moderate their views in order to win votes.” (975) I agree with Ignatieff’s philosophy on spreading democracy, but I do not completely agree with his thoughts on human rights. I believe that human rights are naturally derived and a necessary part of human nature that should not be ignored, while Ignatieff believes that they are “imperfect abstractions” that “do not dictate how to live, but rather give individuals the opportunity to live a decent life”. Though our thoughts on human rights differ, we do find that they are necessary and wish to use them to achieve the same purpose of “articulating the fundamental duties that every government has to its citizens” (975) which allows me to respect Ignatieff’s beliefs. One of the final points that make up worldview of Michael Ignatieff is his pragmatism. In our world, there are never easy completely moral options available to solve complicated issues. This is where Ignatieff’s “lesser evil reasoning” comes in. This means that “when no option is absolutely moral, one can only choose that which is likeliest to minimize harm. There is only a limited range of options for defending human rights and democracy internationally, and diplomacy has its limits.” (978) I think this is a good option for Canadians, as there are many problems in the world today that need addressing, and through this policy, we will be able to focus in on those that most need our help. By choosing the lesser evil option, we will be able to do something helpful rather than choosing the third option to do nothing and let suffering and injustice ensue. In order for all of Ignatieff’s ideals to work to their full potential, it is necessary for his final belief to come into play; a willingness to use force in the defence of all of his previous ideals. “It is meaningless to proclaim the importance of human rights unless one is willing to fight when they are threatened, and a sincere commitment to preventing genocide demands nothing less.” (979) Another good point made by Ignatieff is that “unless states try to resolve the conflict peacefully at first, they cannot ethically try to stop it by force.” (980) I agree fully with Ignatieff on these points. After it is attempted to peacefully aid countries where injustice is occurring, the use of force is necessary. At this point, it is a decision between helping and leaving people to their fate and I believe that we must help them, and if force is the way to make that happen, then it is what should be done, particularly in instances where it could prevent genocide.

I can conclude that the beliefs of Michael Ignatieff would be beneficial to our society and present a logical morally sound way to carry out Canadian foreign policy, earning Canada the respect of the rest of the world, and rendering it helpful to nations in dire need.