Routledge The Rule of Reverse Results: The Effects of Unethical Policies? (Routledge Focus)

Do extreme, unethical governmental policies often produce results opposite to those intended? This book considers the ironic outcomes of recent global events and concludes that there is a 'rule of reverse results' at work. While not a hard and fast law, the rule points out the increased probability that a policy will backfire if it is immoral while ethical policies, even if extreme, are unlikely to produce reverse results. The issue here is that of increased likelihood but not of certainty. Governments can never be sure as to the effects of their actions: to some extent they are always working in the dark. But if the motivation is right, moral and humane the policies will not often produce adverse results the opposite of those intended. Based on events in global history in the Twentieth and Twenty-First centuries the chapters can each be read individually, as well as being part of the argument. Review "This is a fascinating, thought-provoking book which will lead the reader to ponder the role of ethics in policies. As the author maintains, ethical policies are needed more than ever in the world today." - Martin McCauley in the New Year edition of East -West Review About the Author Audrey Wells, Royal Holloway College, University of London, UK