Transcript To what extent should we embrace nationalism?

To what extent should we
embrace nationalism?
Essential Information in Green
Foreign Policy Review
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/ips-overview2-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.
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
NATO
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
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
Achieving Selfdetermination
Article 1 UN declaration on selfdetermination
1. All peoples have the right of self-determination. By
virtue of that right they freely determine their political
status and freely pursue their economic, social and
cultural development.
2. All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of
their natural wealth and resources without prejudice to
any obligations arising out of international economic
co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual
benefit, and international law. In no case may a people
be deprived of its own means of subsistence.
UNESCO criteria for nation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Common history
Racial or ethnic identity
Cultural homogeneity
Linguistic unity
Religious or ideological unity
Territorial connection
National self-identification
Achieving self-determination
•
•
•
•
Decolonization
Successor states
Referendum
Third-party
Decolonization
• Defined
• India
• Mozambique
Successor States
• Defined
• Ukraine
• Chechnya
Referendum
• Defined
• Canada
• East Timor
Third Party
• Defined
• Challenges
Self-determination and the
indigenous people
• ID and self-determination
• Nunavut
Self-determination and Tibet
• Self Immolation
• 2013
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.
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?