Internationalism To what extent should internationalism be pursued?

Internationalism

To what extent should internationalism be pursued?

What is Internationalism?

• A community of interests amongst nations

• the doctrine that nations should cooperate because their common interests are more important than their differences

• A political movement which advocates greater economic and political cooperation among nations for the theoretical benefit of all

Background

• For years, countries pursued their own national interests.

• This often led to colonization, conflicts with other countries, and two world wars.

Early attempts at internationalism…

• Throughout the time period of wide spread nationalism and focus on national interests, some leaders attempted to bridge the gap between national self interest, and cooperation.

• Ex. League of Nations

Background

• Gradually, the world came to the understanding that all countries were interconnected, and one’s national interests may inadvertently affect another nation

• After WWII, the world realized that appeasement and isolationism were not viable options… internationalism became more enticing.

Understanding Internationalism

Internationalism can best be understood by the goals of the involvement…

Three visions of internationalism:

• Hegemonic internationalism

• Revolutionary internationalism

• Liberal internationalism

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.

• Ex. Colonialism• Ex. United States

• Many believe hegemonic internationalism has the greatest impact in shaping the modern world

Hegemonic Internationalism

• Example:– Reflected in language and culture– English becoming dominant language because of

colonization and globalization.

Revolutionary Internationalism

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

• Extends history back to American and French Revolutions, and in more recent times, revolutions in Latin America (Che Guevara) and Iran (Ayatollah Khomeini).

Revolutionary Internationalism

• Revolutionary internationalism is not always violent

• Feminism or environmentalism can be seen as revolutionary internationalism

Liberal Internationalism

• The belief that through greater interaction and co-operation, nations and nation-states can achieve common goals, especially peace and prosperity

– Example: Canada

• Common purpose is primarily to create wealth and peace, and is often assumed one would lead to the other.

Liberal Internationalism

• Politically: League of Nations (1919-1920)

United Nations (1945)

• Humanitarian efforts by nation-states and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the welfare of poorer nations

– Ex. World Vision: children’s rights, address HIV/AIDS, provide disaster relief

• Economic: Free trade networks (reduce conflict between nations)

Liberal Internationalism

• Supporters assume that interaction and cooperation between nations is mutually beneficial

• However, critics point out, that well-off countries are often better served, and disaster relief have been accused of imposing donor country beliefs onto the recipients

• Still others feel that efforts fall far short, and nations who spout liberal internationalist sentiments need to step it up

Motivation for InternationalismMotivation for Internationalism

Why might nations choose to participate in Why might nations choose to participate in international affairs?international affairs?

In general:In general:– Self-DeterminationSelf-Determination– Humanitarianism and Global CitizenshipHumanitarianism and Global Citizenship– Peace and SecurityPeace and Security– Economic StabilityEconomic Stability

Self-DeterminationSelf-Determination

What is What is self-determination?self-determination? The ability and desire to fulfill its people’s The ability and desire to fulfill its people’s

economic, social, cultural, and political economic, social, cultural, and political needs so that the nation can continue to needs so that the nation can continue to exist and grow.exist and grow.

Some groups feel it is best achieved through Some groups feel it is best achieved through international involvementinternational involvement

What if one nation’s interests negatively What if one nation’s interests negatively affect another, or the whole world?affect another, or the whole world?

Ex. Brazil (rainforest)Ex. Brazil (rainforest) Ex. USA/IraqEx. USA/Iraq

Humanitarianism and Global Humanitarianism and Global CitizenshipCitizenship

Many individuals and nations/nation-states choose Many individuals and nations/nation-states choose to get involved in international affairs for to get involved in international affairs for humanitarian reasonshumanitarian reasons

Ex. Tsunami relief in the Indian OceanEx. Tsunami relief in the Indian Ocean Hurricane KatrinaHurricane Katrina Outbreak of violence (Lebanon 2006)Outbreak of violence (Lebanon 2006)

Responses range from individual generosity and Responses range from individual generosity and donations, to organized governmental and non-donations, to organized governmental and non-governmental initiativesgovernmental initiatives

Much of the humanitarian action relates to Much of the humanitarian action relates to assisting other nations with long-term economic assisting other nations with long-term economic and social development, not just short-term crises.and social development, not just short-term crises.

Humanitarianism and Global Humanitarianism and Global CitizenshipCitizenship

Peacekeeping and PeacemakingPeacekeeping and Peacemaking Both are important parts of humanitarian involvementBoth are important parts of humanitarian involvement Peacekeepers monitor and observe peace processes in Peacekeepers monitor and observe peace processes in

post-conflict areas and assist ex-combatants in post-conflict areas and assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they may have implementing the peace agreements they may have signed. signed.

Ex. Power-sharing arrangementsEx. Power-sharing arrangements Ex. Electoral supportEx. Electoral support Ex. Strengthening rule of lawEx. Strengthening rule of law Ex. Economic and social developmentEx. Economic and social development

Peacemaking is intervention designed to ensure peacePeacemaking is intervention designed to ensure peace Peacemakers are able to use force to ensure the peacePeacemakers are able to use force to ensure the peace

Peace and SecurityPeace and Security

Ability of nations to control their destiny is Ability of nations to control their destiny is also affected by the level of security they are also affected by the level of security they are able to provide for their citizensable to provide for their citizens

Security alliance organizations aim to Security alliance organizations aim to provide member nations with greater ability provide member nations with greater ability to maintain secure borders (NATO, UN)to maintain secure borders (NATO, UN)

Economic StabilityEconomic Stability

Internationalism can be linked to ensuring Internationalism can be linked to ensuring economic stability within a nation-stateeconomic stability within a nation-state

Ex.?Ex.?

Economic interdependence can be a Economic interdependence can be a national interestnational interest

Ex. NAFTA (North American Free trade Agreement)Ex. NAFTA (North American Free trade Agreement)

Free trade networks seek to break down Free trade networks seek to break down barriers (tariffs) that restrict tradebarriers (tariffs) that restrict trade

Motivation against Motivation against InternationalismInternationalism

Why might nations choose not to Why might nations choose not to participate in international affairs?participate in international affairs?

Leaders and nations differ in the extent Leaders and nations differ in the extent to which they feel they are affected by to which they feel they are affected by political instability elsewherepolitical instability elsewhere

Isolationism- a policy of choosing not to Isolationism- a policy of choosing not to become involved in the affairs of other become involved in the affairs of other nations (militarily or through trade)nations (militarily or through trade)