INTERNATIONALISM

To What Extent Should Internationalism Be Pursued?

UNDERSTANDING INTERNATIONALISM

Chapter 11:

“Should nations and nation-states be involved

in international affairs?”

Exploration of this chapter’s issue will involve examining, investigating, and discussing three primary questions:

Question 1:“What are the different understandings of internationalism?”

Question 2:“Why might nations chooses to participate in international affairs?”

Question 3:“Why might nations choose not to participate in international affairs?”

Stephen Lewis

...We came out of Rwanda asking ourselves how it was possible that the world was inert in the face of a hideous genocide that everyone knew was taking place. It is my contention that years from now, historians will ask how it was possible that the world allowed AIDS to throttle and eviscerate a continent...

» United Nations Press Briefing

Current Dilemmas

• Continuing with this line of thinking...– People are being displaced, repressed, and wiped out

through government initiatives around our world.– Do these actions require world involvement or are they

local issues?

Question 1:

“What are the different understandings of internationalism?”

Internationalism means many things and takes many forms. Look at these definitions.

Internationalism is…

“a means for nations and/or states to work cooperatively while still representing differing perspectives and interests”

“about nations who cooperate because their long-term mutual interests are of greater value than their individual short term needs”

“a willingness to understand and respect the concerns, attitudes, and ways of life of other countries”

“a political movement that advocates a greater economic and political cooperation among nations for the benefit of all”

With your partner or group, use these definitions and come up with what you believe the key attributes to internationalism are.

Question 1:“What are the different understandings of internationalism?”

Internationalism can have differing perspectives too. For example…

• Read “Views on Internationalism” on pages 233 and 234 of your text.

• In your group, write one or two sentences that summarize what each statement is saying.

What is Internationalism?

Internationalism is a belief and/or a movement that advocates a greater economic, political, and social cooperation among nations.

There are three different kinds of internationalism:1. Hegemonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzZmU0aGmcc

• world is integrated based on unequal terms with dominance of one nation-state over others. (Imperialism, Colonialism, Super-powers, War on Terror, IMF, WTO, China controlling Tibet, etc.)

Hege.

Arguments for and against….

For:• Dominant countries with ruling or imposing power will bring

their successes to the less influential nation and help the host become stronger in all aspects

• many people believe that international security and prosperity are best achieved when certain nation-states assert a leading role

• Greater communication – prevalence of English

Against• Often times this happens through a type of invasion to

remove undesirables• Wealthier, stronger nations may not have similar

political, economic, religious, or social ideologies

2. Revolutionary: • A belief that conflicts within societies are

determined by international factors and alliances. (American, French, and Communist revolutions; Egypt, Libya, Syria are modern day examples; environmentalism)

Rev

Arguments for and against….

For:• The watchful eye of more imposing nations or just the number of

nations watching does influence the way a nation-state would operate because the pressure of being watched can pressure governments to do the right thing

• Can create positive change in political and economic institutions

Against• Conflicts will still arise because of differences in beliefs,

values and ideals and interests inside the group• Violence….. war, civil war

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z-rKjTivDs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTDQa9gxjiQ

3. Liberal: • The belief that through greater interaction and

co-operation, nations and nation-states can achieve common goals, especially peace and prosperity. (European Union, League of Nations, United Nations)

Lib

Arguments for and against….

For:• Potential to increase world GDP through increased trade and

bring poorer nations/nation-states up from the basement of the global economy

• Greater chance to achieve peace through greater interaction, co-operation, understanding and global responsibility

Against• Nation-states may have to surrender some sovereignty

• Continue to widen the economic gap between rich and poor as more industrialized nations may benefit more than poorer ones

• Nation-states may selectively pick which issues to address

What kinds of internationalism do these represent?

Why might nations choose to participate in international affairs?

1.Economic Stability: • Internationalism can be linked to ensuring economic stability

within a nation. • Example:

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), EU (European Union)

The most important factor for economic stability is high employment.

More jobs.

More people with money to

spend.

Increased demand.

More goods and services

purchased.

People make money

Gov’t. collects more taxes

Pays for gov’t. services and

programs.

Remember though….this can also work in the opposite direction too. Hence the importance of economic stability.

2. Peace and Security: • Internationalism can be linked to nations promoting peace and

ensuring their citizens can live in safety. • International treaties improve security options

Military alliances NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense)

• Nations want to limit the spread of conflicts to own country WMD’s Civil war Terrorism Poverty and environment Organized crime

It is hard to be happy or to live a satisfying life when faced with violence and conflict.

When citizens of a nation do not feel safe• education suffers• productivity is reduced• people are more likely to oppose governments

This motivates governments to try and ensure the safety and security needs of citizens.

Is it ever possible for a government to meet all the peace and security needs of a country’s citizens?

Skilled, experienced workers and a content

society Economic prosperity

How does Canada ensure the safety and security of its citizens?

Canada belongs to many organizations that promote security of our nation:

1. NATO (North Atlantic Treat Organization)

2. NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense)

3. UN (United Nations)

• Why would countries be motivated to co-operate with other nation states to ensure peace and security? Do nations co-operate with just any nation?

• What are some commonalities between nations who co-operate with one another?

• Would a country with a strong military, like the USA, be motivated as strongly as nation-states whose armed forces are smaller?

3. Humanitarianism: • This form of nationalism is based on the belief in our

common humanity• The idea of moral imperative - the right thing to do• much of humanitarian action relates to assisting other

nations with long-term economic and social development rather than short-term crises

Many nation-states take actions to relieve suffering and protect the innocent by addressing….

1. Natural disasters2. Disease3. War4. Famine5. Poverty6. Prevent Genocides

Humanitarian aid can come in many forms:

7. Monetary aid8. Supplies9. Trained personnel10.Accepting refugees

Are there any underlying motives for nations helping other nations apart from just being “nice”?

Are there any reasons why some people believe we shouldn’t those nationsless fortunate than our own?

Peacekeeping and Peacemaking

Assistance for Hurricane Katrina

Tsunami in Japan

Famine in Africa

4. Self-Determination: • is the ability and desire of a nation to fulfill its people’s economic,

social, cultural and political needs so that the nation can exist, continue to grow and/or become its own nation-state

Arab Spring Communist revolution in USSR (1917) Indigenous peoples (World Council of Indigenous Peoples) India/Pakistan

MOTIVATION AGAINST INTERNATIONALISM

Isolationism is a foreign policy which combines a non-interventionist military policy and a political policy of economic nationalism (protectionism). In other words, it asserts both of the following:

1. Non-interventionism • Political rulers should avoid entangling alliances

with other nations and avoid all wars not related to direct territorial self-defense.

2. Protectionism • There should be legal barriers to control trade and

cultural exchange with people in other states.

Fear of a loss of sovereignty and self-determination.

Chapter 12

INTERNATIONALISM & FOREIGN POLICY

Key Questions

• How do countries set foreign policy?

• How can states promote internationalism through foreign policy?

• Should foreign policy promote internationalism?

International Involvement

Anti-internationalism

methods

isolationism

protectionism

unilateral action

Methods in favor of internationalism

bilateralism

multilateralism

supranationalism

Unilateralism

- when a nation takes action without the support of other nations

• similar to isolationism, but a nation can get involved in an international issue in a unilateral way, whereas isolationism is an ideology that encourages non-involvement.

Example:• China’s stance on Tibet• USA war on terror (Osama Bin

Laden)• Russia in Crimea

Bilateralism

- two nations negotiate trade or defense agreements that help both nations

• a treaty, a joint declaration on common issue, or agreement of foreign aid between the donor country and the country receiving the aid.

Example:• NORAD • American/Canadian

agreement on acid rain.• Trade agreements – Canada

and Australia or China

Multilateralism

- many nations working together; taking a supranational approach

• negotiating trade or defense agreements, work on assisting a humanitarian effort, or creating international law

• Benefits – support from a variety of nations and nation-states. – having many voices = effective solution can be found.

• Concern » it takes time to listen to everyone. (While a multilateral

organization is discussing what should be done, a nation could have already gone in and unilaterally dealt with the problem.)

Examples: UN – NATO – NAFTA – EU -- Kyoto Accord

In what ways does Canada seek co-operation in its foreign policy?

Our identity as a country, helps shape our interactions with other nations and international actions affect our identity.

For Canadians, multilateralism has been the approach most favored when addressing international concerns, although Canada does have bilateral relations with the United States

The importance of multilateralism for Canadian foreign policy is underscored in the following statement….

“Canada has long understood that multilateral co-operation is essential if the world is to make progress in preventing and

ending conflict, promoting sustainable development and enabling commerce…..”

……Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canadahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUveQiNxBak&safe=active

Canada’s Foreign Policy Goals

Canada’s Foreign Policy Goals

• Peace and security: Canada works to encourage world peace through defense arrangements, peacekeeping efforts and by maintaining friendly relations with other nations

• Social justice: Canada provides foreign aid, loans and other support to nations in need.

• Economic growth: Canada wants to maintain a high standard of living for its citizens. It pursues policies such as trade agreements to improve the economic well-being of its citizens.

• Sovereignty: Canada needs to ensure its own existence by preserving control over our own affairs and not allowing other nation-states to control or excessively influence us.

• Safe environment: The world is becoming increasingly aware of the need to protect the earth’s environment. Canada cooperates with other countries in attempting to control pollution and other environmental hazards.

• Quality of Life: Canada believes quality of life is an important consideration. Canada participates in cultural, technological, and scientific exchanges. These can improve the quality of life for Canadians and citizens of other nations.

What influences our Foreign Policy Decisions

• Geography: our location in the world (relation to U.S., northern hemisphere, North America).

• Past experience: history of our relations with other countries, our colonial links to Britain and France.

• Ideology: the ideas and values a nation stands for (democracy, freedom)

• Personal view of the Prime Minister: the leader of the current government has a tremendous influence on foreign policy; if the government changes, often the priorities of foreign policy change.

• Public opinion: Canadians can influence foreign policy by voting, joining pressure groups, writing letters to newspapers and politicians.

• Canada’s status in the world: we are a middle power (not a superpower, but important).

• Policies of other nations: in particular the stronger nations are going to influence Canada’s decisions.

Examples of ways to implement Canada’s foreign policy goals

• send diplomats • formalize international trade • sign military agreements • act as negotiator, or observer (like an election to encourage peace

between or within nation-states).

• If we disagree with how a nation-state is behaving we can use:– reduce or stop diplomatic relationships– economic sanctions– political sanctions– threat of force

CANADA: A HISTORY OF PEACEKEEPING

Peacekeeping is an important part of our Canadian heritage and identity, which reflects our nation’s personality and fundamental beliefs.

Peacekeeping is a pillar of Canadian foreign policy and our contribution to an international security system. Canada has been involved in Peacekeeping missions for over fifty years and been participating in a majority of missions given by the United Nations Security Council. Canada has built a strong reputation for being active peacekeepers throughout the world.

Between 1947 and the present, Canada has participated in almost 40 UN peacekeeping/peacemaking missions. More than 100,000 soldiers have served as peacekeepers. Over 600 Canadians have given their lives in U.N. Peacekeeping missions.

Suez Crisis (1956 - 1967)

Cyprus (1964 – 1993)

Somalia (1992 – 1993)

Yugoslavia (1992 – 1995)

Lester B. PearsonIn 1956 the word 'peacekeeping' became popular thanks to Canada's 14th Prime Minister.

Lester B. Pearson, the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs and then later the Canadian Prime Minister, proposed the development of an international peace force under the control of the United Nations.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his visionary idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqYuRh78-_4

Recently, the role of peacekeeping has evolved to become more peacemaking and encompasses more responsibilities:

• the delivery of humanitarian aid• the supervision of elections• the distribution and housing of refugees• the disarming of weapons of mass destruction• the repairing of destroyed landscapes and habitat• the support for government and human rights• the training of police forces and judiciary

Current peacekeeping activities now involve many Canadian civilians (doctors, engineers, police, nurses, etc.) in addition to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Despite the significant costs -- both human and financial -- of peacekeeping, Canadians are generally supportive of their country's activities in this field. Canadians realize that in taking on this difficult, and often unappreciated, task, their soldiers are making a significant contribution to the international community.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzwzANFe5FM

Global Energy and the Oil Sands

Major oil companies from around the globe (USA, Britain, China, Norway, Japan, etc.) are currently investing billions of dollars in oil production in Northern Alberta

Development of the Tar Sands are both an international and Canadian venture. Canada has the resources, yet requires the financial backing, labor force, and experience of other nations to help increase further production

Biggest Issues Facing Oil Sands….

1. Foreign Ownership……benefits? negatives?

2. Capitalism vs. Environmentalism….benefits? negatives?

Questions Canada has to Consider

• How does oil sand production in Alberta affect the rest of the globe? Positives? Negatives?

• How will becoming a global energy player affect Canada’s foreign policy and our relationships between other nations?

• How might Canada’s environmental issues influence oil production in Alberta? How could it affect internationalism and our foreign policies?

• What are Canada’s options if other governments impose trade restrictions or embargos on “dirty” oil from the oil sands?

• Should Canada allow foreign ownership in the oil sands?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgLv0FW_wMU&safe=active

20-1 Assignment

• You are the new Prime Minister of Canada. What are going to be your priorities? Is Canada going to be more or less internationalist than it is now?

• Rank each of the six goals from most important to least important, and explain why you are going to be spending more time and money on some and not others. Try to include references to some of the influences on foreign policy.

Write your priorities in the form of a speech you will be giving onTelevision to the Canadian public. Your speech should be 3 minuteslong, which means you should fill two pages, double-spaced, 12-pointfont.

(If it is too short, television stations will be upset because they have created this time slot for you, if it goes too long, the television stations and the public will be upset with you because the people want to watch their programs.)

Chapter 13

PROMOTING INTERNATIONALISM

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Supra-nationalism involves nations putting aside their own self-interests to

work with other nations for the good of the collective, or for global good. An understanding that some sovereignty may have to be sacrificed.

Examples:United Nations, African Union, World Trade Organization, European Union

INTERNATIONAL LAWS and TREATIES

Nations need ways to interact with one another that ensure fair dealings. International Law is one way to control how nations treat one another. Treaties and organizations are another.

Examples: UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), Kyoto Accord, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

PROMOTING INTERNATIONALISM

How do organizations promote internationalism?

Generally, there are two kinds of international organizations:

1. IGO’s – (Intergovernmental Organizations)

2. NGO’s – (Non-governmental Organizations)

IGO’s – (Intergovernmental Organizations)

• are organizations comprised primarily of sovereign states (referred to as member states)

• have a signed charter or constitution• Intergovernmental organizations are often called

international organizations

Common stated aims of IGO’s: • preserve peace through conflict resolution • improve international relations• promote international cooperation on matters such as

environmental protection• to promote human rights, • to promote social development (education, health care), • to render humanitarian aid• to economic development

Common types of IGO’s include …

1. Worldwide or Global Organizations• generally open to nations worldwide as long as certain

criteria are met.a. United Nationsb. WTO (World Trade Organization)c. IMF (International Monetary Fund)

2. Regional Organizations• open to members from a particular region or continent of

the worlda. European Union (EU)b. African Union (AU)c. NATOd. Arctic Council

3. Cultural, linguistic, ethnic, religious, or historical organizations• open to members based on some cultural, linguistic, ethnic,

religious, or historical linka. La Francophonie (French speaking countries)b. Assembly of First Nations c. Commonwealth of Nations (former British Empire

nations)

4. Economic organizations• are dedicated to economic prosperity, free trade, the

reduction of trade barriers, etc.a. OPECb. NAFTAc. EU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mh_AJMsMN8&safe=active

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67xnH4xjZyQ&safe=active

NGO’s – (Non-governmental Organizations)

• these are not established by governments but are set up by individuals and groups. They are non-profit, non-religious, pacifist.

• In the cases in which NGOs are funded totally or partially by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status therefore it excludes government representatives from membership in the organization.

Well known NGO’s include …

1. Red Cross2. Greenpeace3. World Vision4. Amnesty International5. WWF6. PETA7. Oxfam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5-81AmFkCc&safe=active

Chapter 14

GLOBAL ISSUES

INVESTIGATING GLOBAL ISSUES: THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONALISM

You have seen that nations and states involved themselves in global issues for a variety of reasons, but …….sometimes good intentions can go wrong.

Some would argue that shortsighted solutions can cause people to become more dependent on aid and can take away their motivation to solve the problems they face.

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish, and you have fed him for a

lifetime.”

• Because the world is basically divided into two hemispheres: developed and developing countries, most of the developing countries are located south of the Equator.

• For many years, the developed countries have been throwing money at problems in this part of the world. They are not addressing the main issues of these countries becoming self-sufficient.

• Colonialism carved up much of the developing world and robbed them of their natural resources while keeping the communities illiterate, uneducated, poor, and dependent.

• The G8 (A group of leading Western industrialized Countries) have come together to address the problem of heavily indebted nations.

Should the developed world be obligated to clean up the mess they created with colonialism?

• One common solution to kick-start the failing economies of developing countries recommended by such international lending organizations such as the IMF and the World Bank is to encourage private and usually foreign investment in order to allow market mechanisms to work most efficiently.

• To increase foreign investment, these developing nations are required to open their economies, remove protective tariffs, and compete with other states.

• Two big problems have arose from this….

• Many companies such as the Gap, Wal-Mart, and Liz Claiborne have been criticized for their unethical treatment of workers in foreign countries. The shops have been given the name “Sweat Shops” to describe the conditions that workers have had to endure.

• The other is out-sourcing of jobs and labor to regions where the cost to the company is far less than in a developed nation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzq31hpGZOI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPCK3cAtzto&safe=active

SOME CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL ISSUES:

1. Climate Change• melting ice caps• greenhouse gases• global warming• Kyoto Accord• Tar Sands Develop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAuc8Rvffnw&safe=active

2. Spread of Disease• SARS• AIDS• H1N1 (Swine Flu)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kPCVR6oCQE&safe=active

3. Fresh Water• access to• control over

Canada has up to 20% of the world’s fresh water supply but just 0.5% of the world’s population.

access to clean water is an important health issue, some people argue that water-rich countries like Canada should share their water.

in 2002 a UN committee declared that access to clean water is a fundamental human right….Canada was the

only country to oppose this resolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMmpg35Bym0&safe=active

4. Poverty• Lack of education• Lack of access to resources• Conflict and war• Trade rules• Discrimination

In 2006, the World Bank estimated that more than a billion of the world’s people live in “absolute poverty”

“condition characterized by

severe deprivation of basic human

needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation, health, shelter, education and

access to services.”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6nC5zdbnm8

5. World Hunger

Starvation deaths – 1 every 4 secs.

6.5 million children die every year from starvation

850 million people (1 in 7) are chronically hungry

6. Human Rights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36CUlaqmFi4&safe=active

7. Terrorism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I7UGOufTYE&safe=active

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F2jACWwKdU&safe=active