Dilemma? What dilemma?
(Chap 15)
SS 20-1
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Why is nationalism sometimes sacrificed in
favour of internationalism
How is nationalism sacrificed?
What are some of the impacts of such
sacrifice?
When the heck is this unit going to end??
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The good ‘ole EU serves as a model to
understand this question!
The EU offers its many member lots of
benefits . . . . .but . . . It does compromise the
nations’ independence
The “Schengen Agreement” – abolishes
border controls between participating
members
If anyone can freely cross borders between EU
members, does national security exist
anymore?
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Britain was reluctant to join the EU out of fears
that its national interests and identity would take
a back seat – Britain joined anyways
This fear shows that some say there is a trend
toward the creation of a European culture at the
expense of national cultures.
Slovenia – one of the newer European nations has
been vulnerable to aggressive nations and
internal ethnic fighting throughout its history
◦ They chose to join the EU despite considering an
isolationist policy
◦ Why??? The benefits of membership (economic, political
and social) outweigh the drawbacks imposed on their
independence
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Creation of the EU has led to people gaining access to
work over much greater areas
Employers can draw from a much larger group of
workers and professionals
But . . . Immigration is a problem for some EU nations
ie – the influx of Muslim immigrants has led to many
new challenges
◦ Differences in religion, traditions and rules about clothing
◦ There are more Muslims in EU jails then there are
Europeans
◦ Are Muslims being unfairly targeted?
◦ What rights and obligations do individuals and collectives
have within the EU?
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For countries to work
together, they have
cooperate and be willing
to give in to one another
so that all benefit
Policies such as
deregulation, integration
and harmonization
become important
In some cases, national
governments may be less
able to assert
independence because
their hands may be tied by
treaties and agreements
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International terrorism is a shared concern for all nations
Since Sept. 11, 2001, the US and Canada have
increasingly coordinated their security and defence
policies
This coordination is especially noticeable in the military
Canada has increased its military spending by increasing
troop levels and shifting toward multi force and multicountry operations
Increasing, Canadian troops are supporting US military
operations and are working under the leadership of US
forces
Is this a hegemonic relationship, or do both countries
benefit? Canada’s defence capabilities have improved in
recent years
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Depending on your perspective, NAFTA is
either a good thing or a bad arrangement for
Canada
Read p. 335 -336 to discuss the pros and
cons of NAFTA – create a t-chart to record
your findings
Does Canada gain more than it loses by
giving up some of its national interests to
accommodate NAFTA?