1. International Organizations, Laws, and Agreements

2. What is Supranationalism?
Supranationalism involves nations putting aside their self-interests to work with other nations for the good of the collective, or for the global good. In supranational organizations, member nations appoint representatives to an international body, which then makes decisions to which members agree to abide. These organizations are often responsible for creating international laws and agreements, which are to be followed by all member countries.

3. The goal of Supranational Organizations
The ultimate goal of supranational organizations is to find a balance between the national interests of its member nations and the wellbeing of the international community.

4. The United Nations
In 1945, representatives from 50 countries met in San Francisco at an international conference to for the United Nations. The official purpose of the UN was: to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends.
The United Nations Explained
United Nations Security Council Explained

5. Criticisms of the United Nations
Dore Gold’s criticism of “moral relativism”
The UNSC is made up of the world’s nuclear powers (created a “nuclear club” whose powers are left unchecked)
Membership on the UNSC (especially permanent membership)
Veto power gives the UN and its member countries the ability to not respond to international crises
The effectiveness of the UN to resolve conflicts is often called into question

6. The African Union
Formed on May in Addis Ababa and officially launched in South Africa on July , the AU is a continental union that replaced the Organization of African Unity. The AU has 54 member countries and its official vision is: An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.
History of the AU

7. Muammar Gaddafi
Muammar Gaddafi Biography

8. Gadaffi was the Founder of the African Union
Gadaffi was one of the founding members of the AU and he served as the AU’s Assembly Chairperson from Gadaffi proposed the idea of the “United States of Africa”, in which some, if not all, the countries of Africa would form some kind of federation, with a single African military, a common currency, and a single African passport.

9. Criticisms of the African Union
Many argue that the AU is slow to respond to security risks
Many argue that it prioritizes power over justice
Many argue that it fails to adequately represent the needs of the continents 1.11 billion citizens
Most people agree though that Africa is in much better shape with the AU than without it.

10. The European Union
The EU is a politico-economic union of 28 member states whose headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium. The EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War. The first steps were to foster economic cooperation: the idea being that countries that trade with one another become economically interdependent and so more likely to avoid conflict. Members of the EU have a common currency (Euro), allow free movement of citizens in the Eurozone, and have one of the largest free-trade zones in the world.
The EU Explained

11. Brexit!!!
Brexit Explained

12. Britain First and PEGIDA
The Britain First movement and the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West movement are both nationalistic and xenophobic movements that are occurring in Britain (and other parts of Europe). They believe that the indiscriminate flow of immigrants and the rising number of Islamic-practicing citizens into their country will lead to their downfall.
Islamophobia in Britain (00:00-04:20)

13. The World Trade Organization (WTO)
The WTO was founded January , with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and they are an intergovernmental organization which regulates trade. It was born out of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) established in 1947 and has become the world’s global trading body.
WTO Explained

14. Criticisms of the WTO
The main criticism of the WTO is that it allows developed and economically powerful countries to take advantage of underdeveloped countries, allowing these powerful countries to disregard the cultural, social, and environmental practices of the underdeveloped countries.
WTO Protests in Seattle

15. International Law and Treaties
Nations need ways to interact with one another that ensure fair dealings. International laws and agreements are one means to control how nations treat each other.

16. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Formed in 1949 as a response to the growing threat of Communism, NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance (whose headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium) that has evolved into a supranational agency, becoming a more general security force designed to protect the global interests of member nations.
NATO Explained

17. Criticisms of NATO
One of the main criticisms of NATO is that when the Cold War ended it lost its relevancy and usefulness, and that, at least in the eyes of Russia and China, it is too confrontational. Many suggest that NATO is used by certain states to pursue their own interests and that NATO may even work to undermine the UN.

18. Examples of International Laws and Agreements
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
Geneva Conventions
Kyoto Protocols
Montreal Protocol
Ottawa Treaty
International Opium Convention (1912)
The Outer Space Treaty (1967)
Chemical Weapons Convention (1997)

19. Criticisms of International Laws and Agreements
Creating international laws and agreements that all countries can agree to is an extremely difficult and time consuming venture, and often the original intent of a law or agreement is lost during the process of negotiation
Enforcing laws and agreement and holding countries accountable when they violate international laws and agreements is an extremely difficult task

20. WRITING ASSIGNMENT II: YOUR OPINION
Grade 11: Nationalism
Do you think nationalism is good or bad? Why?
Do you think internationalism is good or bad? Why?
Write down your opinion. This WILL NOT change, regardless of the quote.
Good mind mapping tool:

21. Now you need to analyze the source (quote) you are given.
What perspective is it expressing?

22. Grade 11 – Potential Perspectives
The time for unilateral action is long past. If the international community cannot find immediate collective measures to address global issues, we will all pay the ultimate price.
Nationalism?
Is it pro-Nationalism?
Is it anti-Nationalism?
Internationalism?
Is it pro-Internationalism?
Is it anti-Internationalism?
Grade 11 – Potential Perspectives

23. Example of a Major Essay Source
Nations should pursue the national interests regardless of the impact that they may have on other nations.

24. Reflection Questions
With the rise of supranational organizations, do you think the modern country or nation-state is becoming an obsolete institution? Why?
What are some of the main criticisms that are levelled against supranational organizations, international law, and international agreements?
What do you think are some ways the international community can respond to instances where countries violate international laws and agreements?
To what extent should a supranational organization have the right to dictate various aspects of its member nations?