Chapter 11SOME UNDERSTANDINGS OF INTERNATIONALISM

Questions to Consider

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?

Understanding

Internationalism

A dictionary definition: “the advocacy of a community of interests among nations”

When interests extend beyond a nation-states’ borders, they become international interests

The United Nations, an embodiment of internationalism

Peacekeeping (Sierra Leone, where else?)

International problem solving (Indigenous issues)

Understanding

Internationalism

Is AIDS in Africa the current world tragedy that we are allowing to happen?

To what extent should developed nations, such as Canada, intervene?

National and international interests:

National interests may affect another nation, but often for the gain of the first

International interests, on the other hand, have the interests of both nations in mind

Different types of internationalism; liberal, hegemonic, and revolutionary

Which type best represents our world today?

Hegemonic

Internationalism

The belief that the world is being integrated based on unequal terms with the dominance of one nation or nation-state over others

Colonialism and imperialism are examples of this

Believed to have done the most to shape the modern world

Does a secure world require strong leadership from one nation?

The prevalence of English as the language of business and politics shows hegemonic internationalism in action

Revolutionary

Internationalism

The belief that conflicts with societies are determined by international factors and alliances

Early history in the French and American revolutions

This type of internationalism had a profound impact on Europe (French Rev.) and later the world as a whole (Cold War)

Are feminism and environmentalism examples of revolutionary internationalism?

What about nations within a nation desiring self-determination?

Liberal Internationalism

The belief that, through greater interaction and co-operation, nations and nation-states can achieve common goals, especially peace and prosperity Exemplified by the United Nations and

humanitarian efforts around the world

Liberal internationalism can also be economic

Assumes an equal playing field where none exists when the United States and Mozambique

get together, which has a greater influence on the other?

Self-Determination

The ability to meet a nation’s own economic, social, cultural, and political needs What happens when these needs

conflict with those of other nations (i.e. the exploitation of resources?

By trying to meet their economic needs, the people of Brazil have come into conflict with global needs Amazon produces 20% of world’s

oxygen

Do Brazilians have a responsibility to the rest of the world?

Humanitarianism

Moral imperative, something you do because it is the right thing to do This is why natural disasters often result in

international involvement

The 2004 Tsunami in the Indian Ocean

Oppressive regimes can often garner humanitarian attention

Often favours long-term economic and social development over short-term crises

Peacekeeping as a humanitarian effort Has the role of peacekeepers changed in

recent years?

Peace and Security

Concerned with a nation’s ability to control their destiny

The greatest security threats of the 21st century:

Poverty and environmental degradation

Terrorism

Civil war

Conflict between states

Proliferation of WMDs

Organized Crime

The UN and military alliances (NATO) demonstrate with willingness of nation’s to interact for the purposes of peace and security

Economic Stability

Trade agreements and organizations (WTO, World Bank, IMF, NAFTA, European Union, etc.) all help to achieve world economic stability

Basically everything learned from last year’s economic globalization unit

Economic interdependence between nations can support peace and security

Opposition

Internationalism is not necessarily always seen as a positive

The U.S.’s views of Cuba vs. the views of the Cuban people

American Isolationism

Some nations adopt policies of not involving themselves in international affairs

Did not wish to get involved in European issues during the World Wars, for example

Became a major international player after WWII, and again after 9/11

Opposition Cont’d

International involvement after 9/11 Began with the attack on Afghanistan and

those who harbour terrorists (Al Qaeda)

Backed by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies

“War on Terror” expanded into Iraq

Seen as a possible threat due to suspected WMDs

Not universally supported, why?

Should the invasion in Iraq have been an American responsibility, or should it have been a “multilateral approach through the UN?”

Concluding Thoughts

Where does the line between intervention and inaction get drawn? The lack of action in Rwanda has been

largely criticized. Why act in Iraq, but not when genocide was taking place?

In a ever more globalizing world, what takes precedence, national or international interests? If nations around the world are

becoming increasingly connected, should internationalism interests be our primary concern?