To what extent should nationalist interest be pursued? Unit 2 To what extent should nationalist interest be pursued?

Chapter 5: National Interest and Foreign Policy

How are Nationalism and National Interest Related? Aspects of National Interest People who govern democratic communities and nations make decisions based on what is the best interest of the community or nation. Whether a people’s nationalism is based on a shared ethnicity and culture or shared beliefs and values, they want certain benefits for themselves and their communities.

National Interest may focus on one or more of the following: Economic prosperity – This includes stable employment and a decent standard of living. Security and Safety – Measure to maintain national security and physical protection include laws that protect citizens within the country, as well as secure borders that can be defended against intruders. Beliefs and values – These include affirming and promoting citizens’ values, beliefs, and cultures. Governments try to safeguard and respect the shared worldviews, ways of life, traditions, and languages of their citizens. In which ways is an educated population in the best interests of both a people’s personal interest and in a national interest?

Changing Views of National Interest Just as people’s understanding for nationalism may differ, their opinions on what is in the national interest may also differ. National interest is not static or unchanging. Events within a country can change people’s opinion about what is in the national interest. For example, what was the national interest for the regions hit by the tsunami December 26, 2006?

Differing Views of National Interest People often decide what is in the national interest based on the understanding on nation and national identity. For example, many Canadians take pride in Canada’s reputation as a nation of peacekeepers. Their course of action may depend on whether or not it promotes peace in the world.

Another example is China Another example is China. The Chinese government believes that a strong military is essential. “China’s military might is meant to safeguard its own security and stability. It is meant to deter the hostile elements of Cold War mentality who attempt to threaten China’s national interest with force.”

How are Nationalism and National Interest Related? Peoples choices are often inspired by loyalty. Nationalism and national loyalty can inspire people to pursue the national interests of their country or nation. The Summer Olympics of 2008 in Beijing allowed the Chinese to show the world how proud they were of their nation. This would be a national interest. It also allowed for those opposed of China and the Chinese rule over Tibet to show their conflicting national interest.

National Interest and Artic Sovereignty National interest often involves claiming sovereignty over territory. This is the case in the Arctic, where five countries claim sovereignty to islands and the seabed. These countries are Canada, the United States, Denmark, Norway, and Russia. In August 2007, Russia claimed part of the 1800 km Lomonosov Ridge, which runs under the Arctic Ocean. The Russian government states that this ridge is part of the continental shelve that is connected to Russia. Canada disputes this claim.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, countries have sovereignty over 22.2 km of sea beyond their coastline. Two factor highlight the importance of claiming sovereignty in the Arctic: 1. The ice is melting. This may open up the Northwest Passage which will make it easier to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Canada lays claim to this passage but other nations dispute it. 2. There is an abundance of resources in the Arctic from oil, to gold, tin and diamonds.

Views on Canada’s national interests in the Artic In August of 2007, Stephen Harper announced that Canada would protect the sovereignty of its Arctic territory by: Sending patrol ships to the artic Increasing aerial surveillance in the region Expanding the Canadian Rangers program Building a training centre Establish a deepwater docking and refuelling port