CANADA: Foreign Policy and Internationalism Chapter 12

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. We know that foreign policy can take one of three forms when it comes to internationalism…. 1)Unilateralism 2)Bilateralism 3)Multilateralism 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 Canada m/watch?v=uUveQiNx Bak&safe=active

CANADA: A HISTORY OF PEACEKEEPING

After it’s roles in The Great War and World War Two, recognition of Canada’s accomplishments and achievements allowed our nation to emerge from the shadow of the British Empire. However, Canada soon found itself being overshadowed by the materializing super power to the south…the U.S.A. In the beginning …

Participation in international ventures, such as the Korean War, allowed Canada to take an active role in world affairs, but these undertakings did not fully meet the needs of Canadian foreign policy. Canada had not yet found a comfortable role in which to exercise its middle-power status. Canadian Korean War Memorial with 516 plaques. Canadian Korean War veterans, below.

Canada also faced the problem of avoiding too great an American influence on its foreign policy. The United States was the dominant member in many of the collective security organizations that had been created in the post-war years.

Canada finds her place… Ultimately, however, Canada was able to find a role that was perfectly suited to its national temperament and middle-power status. The role that Canada created for itself was that of mediator and peacemaker. Canada became recognized for its efforts to use quiet diplomacy to resolve international disputes.

Peacekeeping is an important part of our Canadian heritage and identity, which reflects our 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 missions. More than 100,000 soldiers have served as peacekeepers. Over 600 Canadians have given their lives in U.N. Peacekeeping missions. Suez Crisis ( ) Cyprus (1964 – 1993) Somalia (1992 – 1993) Yugoslavia (1992 – 1995)

Lester B. Pearson In 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.

YuRh78-_4

Canada does not only become involved with peacekeeping and peacemaking missions from the United Nations, but from other international and national organizations as well, such as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Kosovo (1999)  NATO's reason for entering the conflict was humanitarian: it wanted to stop the Serbian persecution of Kosovo Albanians, whom the Serbian military systematically attacked and killed

Afghanistan (2001) Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan are focused on four priorities:  promoting regional diplomacy  helping deliver humanitarian assistance.  investing in the future of Afghan children and youth through development programming in education and health  advancing security, the rule of law and human rights

Recently, the role of peacekeeping has evolved to include: the delivery of humanitarian aid the supervision of elections the distributions of refugees the disarming of weapons of mass destruction the repairing of destroyed landscapes and habitat the support for government and human rights, including elections the training of police forces and judiciary. Current peacekeeping activities now involve many Canadian civilians, 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.

e5FM

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

W_wMU&safe=active

Questions Canada has to Consider How does oil sand production in Alberta effect 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 commitments to other countries around the world influence oil production in Alberta? What are Canada’s options if other governments impose trade restrictions or embargos on “dirty” oil from the oil sands?

International Organizations, Laws and Agreements

Nations need ways to interact with one another that ensure fair dealings. International law, supranational organizations and treaties are some ways to try and control how nations treat one another. Some examples are…..  United Nations  African Union  World Trade Organization (WTO)  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea  North American Treaty Organization (NATO)  North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD)

United Nations African Union World Trade Organization (WTO) om/watch?v=FozisS3L HcI ByXKow ch?v=bHmXZXsABm0