1. Some Understandings of Internationalism
Chapter 11: To what extent should nations and nation-states be involved in international affairs?
Related Issue III: To what extent should nations and nation- states be involved in international affairs?

2. Chapter Inquiry Questions:
What are different understandings of internationalism?
Why might nations choose to participate in international affairs?
Why might nations choose not to participate in international affairs?

3. Internationalism Revisited
Nations and nation-states are part of a larger community
Most Canadians believe it means to be actively involved in the world’s political and economic affairs

4. Understandings of Internationalism
What are different understandings of internationalism?

5. Halliday’s ”Three Concepts of Internationalism”
Hegemonic internationalism
Liberal internationalism
Revolutionary internationalism

6. 1. Hegemonic Internationalism
The belief that world is being integrated based on unequal terms with the dominance of one nation or nation-state over others
imperialism
one language - English
colonialism
Globalization

7. Hmmm…
To what extent do you feel that hegemonic internationalism is, in reality, one nation pursing its own national interests? Is this truly internationalism?

8. 2. Liberal Internationalism
The belief that, through greater interaction and co-operation, nations and nation-states can achieve common goals, especially peace and prosperity
League of Nations UN
NGO’s

9. 2. Liberal Internationalism cont’d
Economically:
Liberal or free trade between nations is seen as key to reducing conflict between states
Clearly benefits all people
Supporters:
Interaction and co-operation are on equal terms
Mutually beneficial
Critics:
This approach assumes a level playing field where none exists
Countries with stronger economies have an advantage

10. 3. Revolutionary Internationalism
The belief that conflicts within societies are determined by international factors and alliances
It created:
Economic and political alliances
Modern nation-states
Wars
Even brought the world to the brink of nuclear war (indirectly).
Revolution is a radical or extreme change but it need not be violent.
Feminism, environmentalism.

11. 3. Revolutionary Internationalism cont’d
American Revolution
French Revolution
Bolshevik Revolution
Cuban Revolution
Environmentalism
Feminism

12. Motivations behind Internationalism
The needs and wants that motivate nation-states do not operate in isolation. They overlap, combine, and build on one another in a complex relationship
Motivations behind Internationalism
Why might nations choose to participate in international affairs?

13. Motivations for Internationalism
Self-determination
Humanitarianism and global citizenship
Peace and security
Economic stability

14. 1. Self-Determination
A nation’s ability and desire to fulfill its people’s economic, social, cultural and political needs so that the nation can continue to exist and grow. For some, it is perceived that this is best achieved via international involvement
Examples:
World Council of Indigenous Peoples; it seeks to ensure fair and just treatment, and a united voice, for over 370 million Indigenous people worldwide
Brazil’s effort to fight poverty by granting land (forest) for people to make quick money by selling timber and land, or clearing it for farmland by way of setting fires.
Severe impact on rainforest

15. 2. Humanitarianism and Global Citizenship
Many nation-states take action to relieve suffering and protect the innocent. Natural disasters, disease, war and conflict can all cause tremendous suffering
In these situations, many countries offer humanitarian aid, which may include providing money and supplies, as well as accepting and sheltering refugees.

16. 2. Humanitarianism and Global Citizenship cont’d
Moral Imperative:
Something one does because it is the right thing to do.
This is considered, acting in a humanitarian way.
Many people and nations choose to become involved in actions in a humanitarian way.
Examples:
The deaths of hundreds of thousands in the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.
The displacement of hundreds of thousands from New Orleans in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina.
The outbreak of violence in Lebanon in 2006, in which tens of thousands of people were evacuated.

17. 2. Humanitarianism and Global Citizenship cont’d
Responses:
Individual generosity (donations, volunteering).
Organized governmental & NGO initiatives.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:
Canada among the first countries to respond to official requests for international aid
Provide critical financial and human resources
Assets to support people in need.

18. 2. Humanitarianism and Global Citizenship cont’d
Peacekeeping:
Preventing further conflict between parties.
Occurs once a ceasefire has been negotiated.
Requires the consent of the parties to the conflict.
Oversee the resolution of the conflict.

19. Suez Canal Crisis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETOUALw2EIs
In 1956, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser seized control of the Suez Canal, a critical shipping route, which was run by French and British interests.
In October, despite American opposition, Britain and France, together with Israel launched attacks on Egypt.
Nasser went to the Soviet leader Khrushchev, who threatened to shower the west with nuclear weapons if the British and French did not withdraw.
At the United Nations, Canadian Lester B. Pearson called for the British and French to withdraw but would allow for a UN force to remain in the area, stabilizing the situation.
First large international peacekeeping force which included 6000 peacekeepers from 10 nations.
Helped to create peace in the Middle East until Egypt demanded that they leave the area in 1967.

20. Suez Canal Crisis--Aftermath
Some argue that this crisis ultimately transferred power to the new superpowers.
USSR & U.S.A.
Ultimately would lead to heightened tensions in the Cold War.

21. 2. Humanitarianism and Global Citizenship cont’d
Peacemaking:
Peaceful intervention to stop a conflict or prevent its spread by bringing hostile parties to an agreement.
Occurs before or during a conflict.
Incorporate diplomatic techniques.
Examples:
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Palestine & Israel.
Israel & Egypt

22. 3. Peace and Security How does a country achieve this?
In Canada, we have the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. What about Internationally? How does Canada achieve Peace and Security internationally?
Canada belongs to a number of different International Organizations that help protect her citizens at home and citizens of the world
Security Alliance Organizations:
Aim to provide member nations with greater ability to maintain secure borders
United Nations (est. 1945):
An organization of independent states
To promote peace and security

23. 3. Peace and Security--NATO
NATO is a military alliance in which member countries – including the US, Canada, most of Western Europe and parts of Eastern Europe – agree to help defend each other.
It was originally an organization of mutual defense for its members, it has now evolved into an international military alliance designed to engage in measures to ensure general global security.

24. 3. Peace and Security cont’d
UN High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change (2004) determined 101 proposals for dealing with the “greatest security threats in the 21st century” in 6 areas:
Continued poverty
Environmental degradation
Terrorism
Civil war
Conflict between states
The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)
Organized crime
How are humanitarian efforts integrally linked to security issues?

25. 4. Economic Stability
People and nations face the same kind of questions when it comes to dealing with the economy. Money? Employment? Education?
Internationalism can also be linked to ensuring economic stability within a nation-state.
Examples:
The Blood Nation of Southern Alberta produces agricultural products that are sold in Japan, creating dozens of jobs in the process.
Economic interdependence is a national interest
NAFTA; seeks to break down barriers and improve the economies of member nations, such as tariffs, that restrict trade

26. Motivations against Internationalism
Begin here on Tuesday
Why might nations choose not to participate in international affairs?

27. Isolationism Foreign policy
Nation-state chooses not to become involved in the affairs of other nations
Either militarily or through trade

28. American Isolationism during the World Wars
Reluctant to become involved in European affairs
WWI:
Involved after German aggression against American ships
WWII:
Involved after Japanese naval forces bombed the US base in Pearl Harbour
Did not join League of Nations
Post WWII:
Played a major role in international affairs
Reconstruction of Europe (Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, etc.)
Creation of United Nations
Cold War (Korea and Vietnam War)

29. American Isolationism cont’d
September 11
In recent years, the US, again, had tended toward isolationism, until 9/11
US and NATO allies chose to attack Afghanistan, the nation that harboured Al Qaeda.
Intent: punishing and deterring further terrorism
“War on Terror” and Involvement in Iraq
USA broadened its “war on terror” to include Iraq
Nation perceived to be a threat to the US and its allies in the region.
President Bush pressed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to disarm.
His refusal was followed by the invasion and subsequent occupation of the country.
No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq.
UN joined the US to search for and destroy the “suspected” weapons.
Canada supported the US through NATO to fight in Afghanistan.
Canada did not support the incursion in Iraq, along with many other nations.

30. Rwanda Revisited: The Role of the International Community
There were definite links between ultranationalism and the genocide in Rwanda
The lack of response from the UN by way of intervention has been roundly condemned
Had the UN Security Council acknowledged what was happening was indeed a genocide, they would have been legally obliged to act.
However, countries including France, Belgium and the US declined to intervene
UNAMIR (UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda) was not given a mandate to intervene or use force
Is it possible to to reconcile the US response to Iraq with its response to Rwanda? Why was invasion necessary in one country but not involvement in the other country?