Work

Moral portraits: Understanding world leaders with moral foundations theory

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Although scholars have long understood the importance of psychology in international affairs, morality has often been overlooked as a factor in world leaders' decision‐making. This article seeks to fill this gap by introducing a new analytical tool: the moral portrait, a descriptive summary of a leader's moral values. The tool is built on the five cross‐cultural values of Moral Foundations Theory (Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity) and the methodological approach of operational code. As a case study, the moral portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin is inferred from his rhetoric, policies, and decisions. Putin's moral portrait, specifically his interpretations of the Fairness, Loyalty, and Authority values, can help explain many of his views and actions, including his decision to launch a full‐scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Author: Brent Mills
Language: English
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4402542707
FWCI: 0.472
Cites: 44
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10