Ethics of Military Global Health Engagements

ABSTRACT

Military global health engagements have grown in scope and strategic relevance, yet their ethical dimensions remain insufficiently examined. Beyond humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, militaries now engage in infectious disease surveillance, clinical and laboratory research, outbreak response, health system strengthening, and medical training partnerships. These efforts draw on distinctive military capabilities (such as rapid deployment, logistical reach, and sustained international presence) while advancing force health protection, global health security, and health diplomacy. At the same time, the alignment of humanitarian activities with national security objectives raises ethical concerns related to neutrality, power asymmetries, informed consent, local autonomy, sustainability, and the potential militarization of health. This editorial introduces this thematic issue of how militaries can engage ethically and equitably in global health, particularly amid rising geopolitical conflict and emerging infectious disease threats. It frames key normative questions for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars working at the intersection of global health and security.