Foreign Policy To what extent should foreign policy

Foreign Policy

To what extent should foreign policy promote internationalism? • Foreign policy can take on different ideas as to the extent it influences or promotes internationalism. • We will examine: • • • Multilateralism Peacekeeping Foreign Aid Supranationalism International laws and agreements

Multilateralism • Multilateralism is a term that refers to multiple countries working together on a given issue. • Example: United Nations, World Trade Organization • Traditionally advocated by the “middle powers” such as Canada, Australia, and Switzerland in an attempt to affect change together • Lager powers (United States) often act unilaterally because they have the power to do so • There is also bilateral action, in which two states act together

Multilateralism in Canadian Foreign Policy • Traditionally the favored approach, although Canada has bilateral relations with the United States • Multilateralism in Canada seeks to attain the following goals: – Advance democracy through good governance, human rights protection and respect for diversity – Support more effective sustainable development strategies – Strengthen international development, including health policy coordination – Streamline and modernize multilateral diplomacy for greater effectiveness

Why Multilateralism? • Canada has a vested interest in keeping relationships with other countries because of certain economic interests of the country • Ex. Oil Sands • What does being a global energy “player” mean for Canada’s future? • How might this affect Canada’s foreign policy?

Why Multilateralism? • What impacts might this policy have on Canadians? – Ex. Environmental commitments • What types of things may threaten this venture in the future? – Ex. Tariffs on “dirty” oil

Peacekeeping • A way to help countries create a sustainable peace • Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson is credited with his efforts to create a “peacekeeping” force in the 1950’s. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to maintain global peace. • Canada, is obviously seen as a leader in peacekeeping operations, and is often at the forefront of such missions – Ex. Rwanda, Bosnia, Afghanistan

Peacekeeping • Peacekeeping vs. Peacemaking • Peacekeeping is to ensure a lasting peace with a military presence to observe peace processes • Peacemaking is active military intervention to cause peace • The line has continually blurred throughout Canada’s involvement in various conflicts • Does international intervention actually bring/cause peace?

Foreign Aid • Many governments work together to improve the quality of life of people in developing nations • Some issues they are confronting are poverty, human rights violations, AIDS, and other health concerns. • Canada’s goal for the last 40 years has been to donate 0. 7 percent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to foreign aid • As of 2005, they are donating 0. 28 percent of the GDP • Some of these are ongoing issues, and some are on a disaster specific basis.

Canadian Foreign Aid Example • Tsunami 2004 • In a multinational effort, the world gave over $7 billion to governments and NGOs in an effort to provide aid • Canada’s effort included: • Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) committed $280 million in rebuilding efforts • Canadian Space Agency shared satellite images of the disaster area • Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) expedited the immigration of over 350 people from the disaster region to be reunited with family • Department of finance put a moratorium on debts from affected nations • Department of National Defence sent Canadian forces Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)

Supranationalism • Organizations: • United Nations • African Union • World Trade Organization • Law and Treaties • International Law » Ex. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); water boundaries, fishing rights, etc. • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); multinational military treaty • North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD); military treaty between Canada and USA