To what extent should we embrace nationalism To

To what extent should we embrace nationalism? To what extent should internationalism be pursued?

Foreign Policy Spectrum Internationalism Supra Nationalism Ultra Nationalism

Nationalism vs. Internationalism • “Foreign policy is how a nation best expresses itself to the world. Our policies as a government, reflecting our beliefs as Canadians, are articulated through the words we speak, the decisions we make and the actions we implement in the name of Canada. ” • Prime Minister Stephen Harper http: //geo. international. gc. ca/cippic/ips-overview 2 -en. aspx • Internationalism promotes belief in the importance of cooperation among countries in order to promote the common good for all countries in both social and economic terms.

Why countries get involved in international affairs? • Governments choose to become involved in international affairs if they believe there is some benefit for their country in addition to a possible global benefit. • Consider the role of Foreign Aid in Australian policy – What criticism does the questioner have regarding the foreign aid policy? – What reasons does the politician give for balancing national interests with international stability?

Nation and State involvement in International affairs • The involvement or non-involvement of a nation or nation-state in international affairs can be motivated by many factors including: – Economic Stability – Peace and Security – Self-Determination – Humanitarianism

Economic Stability • In order to expand their economy or maintain their competitiveness on a global scale, countries may chose to involve themselves in international economic discussions, organizations, or alliances. The Sekong Bridge in Cambodia connecting the capital, Phnom Penh, with the Laos border. The $20 million project is financed with Chinese aid money

Examples of Economic Alliances • G 8 (group of eight) is an organization of the wealthiest countries of the world. They meet to discuss global matters, often related to economics and the promotion of the global economy. • NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) is an alliance which its members have agreed to make the flow of goods across each others borders easier by reducing tariffs. • EU (European Union) similar benefits of NAFTA

Peace and Security • Safety and security are vital to personal and national stability • Wars are costly in both manpower and use of resources • Promoting international peace promotes regional stability Somali Pirates Attack ISAF Change of Command

Self-Determination • The desire for a group of people with common culture, history, and language to have control over their own territory. • Nations that desire selfdetermination may seek involvement in international affairs in order to gain the support of the international community. Canadian PM Stephen Harper and Quebec Premier stand in the front row of a La Francophonie Meeting

Humanitarianism • Nations reach out to each other in times of need • Natural disasters and disease creates suffering that media highlights to the world • Individuals and nations work to help others in need US Food Aid Canadian Aid in El Salvador

Balancing Nationalism vs. Internationalism • To some extent, nationalism must be sacrificed in the interest of internationalism as countries must balance their own requirements or desires. • If governments are committed to internationalism, they must consider global issues and how policies made within their countries could impact other countries. • Being a member of an international organization can also mean sacrificing some sovereignty in order to support the goals and priorities of the organization.

The promotion of Internationalism Through Foreign Policy • A country’s commitment to internationalism and its willingness to participate in international affairs are reflected in its foreign policy. • Supra-nationalism is a type of decision-making in which countries have representatives in an organization and the organization is able to make decisions for the group as a whole. • In some situations, following the decisions of a multi-national group challenges national interests.

Promoting Internationalism or Nationalism? Tied Aid • A country can also promote internationalism by adopting a foreign policy of providing foreign aid to other countries that are experiencing economic, social, or political difficulties. • Sometimes countries provide tied aid, which means that the country providing aid expects some kind of benefit in exchange. For example, a country may provide the funds and materials to build a hospital but then require that all supplies and drugs be purchased from businesses in the country that provided the aid.

International Laws or Agreements • Countries sometimes sign international laws or agreements in order to promote internationalism. • These laws or agreements may include those related to environmental issues such as the Kyoto Protocol. • Economic agreements, such as those made by the World Trade Organization.

Organizations that promote internationalism • United Nations (UN) works to promote peace and security. • World council of Indigenous People (WCIP) worked to promote the rights of indigenous peoples around the world. • European Union (EU) works to promote peace and economic stability among its members. • La Francophonie (OIF) promote French culture • Amnesty International (AI) This NGO works to highlight human rights abuses around the world.

The Positive Impact of Internationalism • Can have an impact on global issues as countries work together to address these issues. • Internationalism can have an impact on poverty and debt in countries. • Many international organizations have made the protection of human rights part of their mandate. • Countries sometimes work together to address issues, such as health (ie. Disease) or the environment.

Why Non-involvement? • Non-involvement may be seen as beneficial, and countries may choose a more isolationist perspective in order to promote their own economies or beliefs Burmese Troops Distribute Aid • They may introduce policies, such as tariffs, that further separate them from other economies. • Some nations have refused foreign aid to ensure that the ruling people maintain control (Burma 2007) • Some nations may not be willing give up their national interest for international issues (ie USA did not sign Kyoto) What message does this send regarding international cooperation?