‘The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of international relations.

People have a desire to become powerful. If not guided by rationality and principles of moral duty, such will to power blinds the powerful, individuals and the nations.

If not tamed and guided, the will to power can become the cause of destruction for humanity;

● Dictators from Hitler to Kim Jong Un, all are the slaves of their untamed desires for power.

● Neo-colonialism in the form of cultural imperialism and conditional aids continue to enslave nations and communities.

● In the race to become an economic superpower, countries are mercilessly exploiting people and nature. Results of which are visible in the form of poverty, inequality, Environmental degradation and humanitarian crises across the globe.

If will to power is tamed with rationality and principles of moral duty then we can make the world a better place to live; 

● The unification of Germany and creation of the European Union, etc are some of the historical examples of tamed will to power. Shared common interests led to prosperity and high human development in that part of the globe.

● Will for economic power should not be at the cost of some other and weaker countries' deprivation and starvation.

● The sustainable development goals (SDG), the Paris Protocol and efforts to mitigate climate change will be successful only if countries rationally and morally share the resources and power.

The power devoid of rationality and principles of moral duty leads to a humanitarian crisis. Our ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is best suitable to maintain a power equation in international relations along with rationality and morality.