SOCIAL 20-1: PERSPECTIVES ON NATIONALISM
“To what extent should nation be the
foundation of identity?”
What are the impacts of the
pursuit of internationalism in
contemporary global affairs?
“To what extent should national
interest be pursued?”
TO WHAT EXTENT
SHOULD WE EMBRACE
NATIONALISM?
“To what extent should
internationalism be
pursued?”
“To what extent should individuals and groups in
Canada embrace a national identity?”
THEME 3: To What Extent Should Internationalism Be
Pursued?
Curriculum Linkage:
Instructions: Refer to these pages to understand what we will be studying in this unit. “Check
off” the items below as we cover them. Usage of this guide will be “ongoing;” meaning that
we will be referring back to it as we progress through the unit. Upon completion of the
section, this guide will serve as a valuable study resource.
You will be expected to be able to answer the following questions by the end of
the unit!
To what extent should a nation become engaged in international affairs?
___ Why do nationalists feel torn between isolationism and internationalism?
___To what extent should a nation become engaged in international affairs?
Related Concepts:
Internationalism: the doctrine that nations should
cooperate because their common interests are more
important than their differences
Protectionism: the policy of imposing duties or quotas
on imports in order to protect home industries from overseas
competition
Unilateralism: the doctrine that nations should conduct their
foreign affairs individualistically without the advice or
involvement of other nations
Bilateralism:2 countries that are involved with one
another or are working together – ie – NORAD is a bilateral
military agreement between Canada and the US
Multilateralism:occurs when a number of nations are involved with one another or are working
together – ie – the EU is an example of multilateralism in action
Globalism: is an ideology that emphasizes the current trend toward international organizations
and institutions – ie – G20 nations, United Nations
Non-alignment: refusal by a nation to align itself to one or other of the major powers
To what extent should a nation-state sacrifice sovereignty for the sake of
supranational cooperation?
___ What is supranationalism and why is it an issue?
___ To what extent does membership in the European Union benefit or harm member nations?
___ To what extent does Canada benefit from supranational cooperation?
___ To what extent should a nation state sacrifice sovereignty for the sake of supranational
cooperation?
___ What is humanitarianism and why is it an issue?
___ To what extent should we embrace humanitarianism?
Related Concepts:
Supranationalism: is a method of decision-making in international organizations, where power
is held by independent appointed officials or by representatives elected by the legislatures or
people of the member states. Member-state governments still have power, but they must
share this power with other actors. Furthermore, decisions are made by majority votes, hence it
is possible for a member-state to be forced by the other member-states to implement a
decision against its will – ie – European Union
European Union: an international organization of European countries formed after World War
II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members
Maastricht Treaty: created the European Union and led to the creation of the euro
Eurozone: (also called Euro-area or Euroland) is the set of countries of the European Union
which have adopted the Euro (€) currency. There are 12 members in the eurozone: Austria,
Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal,
and Spain
Monetary Union: a situation where several countries have agreed to share a single currency –
ie the Euro or the proposes “Amero” for N. America
Borderless Europe:the concept of Europeans being able to move freely around continental
Europe without having to deal with formal national boundaries – ie – passports unnecessary
Euroskeptics: one who is skeptical of increasing the powers of the European Union
La’Francaphonie: is an international organisation of French-speaking countries and
governments
Arctic Council: is a high-level intergovernmental forum which addresses issues faced by
the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arctic
NATO:North Atlantic Treaty Organization – a military alliance set up in 1949 involving the
western democracies to guard against aggression from the former USSR.
NORAD:Canada-US agreement to guard the airspace over North America – originally designed
to respond to a Soviet air attack
NAFTA:North America Free Trade Agreement – involves Canada, the U.S. and Mexico
Economic Nationalism:a form of protectionism where the economics and prosperity of the
nation are more important than other nations’ economies – ie – “buy Canadian”
Humanitarianism: the doctrine that people's duty is to promote human welfare
Egalitarianism: asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people,
esp. in political, economic, or social life – provides the basis for humanitarian thinking
Impartiality: an inclination to weigh both views or opinions equally
Political Asylum: refers to a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual
residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality,
membership in a particular social group or political opinion
Global Citizenship: the idea that all people of the world are equal citizens; all deserving the
same level of prosperity and responsibility when it comes to living on our planet
Philanthropy: Voluntary promotion of human welfare
Humanitarian Agencies:organizations that work for the betterment and welfare of humankind
– ie – The Red Cross, Amnesty International
NGO’s:non-government organizations that operate freely of political influence or pressure –ieAmnesty International
Does the nation state have a future?
___ To what extent is the nation state in decline?
___ Should nations unite to create a world government?
Related Concepts:
Globalization:refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of all nations in the world
through trade agreements, military alliances, regional organizations, etc.
Extreme Internationalism:the idea that peace and security must be secured, no matter what
the costs – ie-a view that America’s invasion of Iraq grew from America’s desire for a safe world
World Federation:a world that is united in a particular cause, whether it is economic, political
or social
Borderless World: the global economy considered as having had barriers to international trade
removed by use of the Internet
To what extent should internationalism be pursued?
___ To what extent is internationalism the basis of Canada’s foreign policy today?
___ Are nations justified in intervening in the internal affairs of other nations?
___ To what extent should internationalism be pursued?
Related Concepts:
Foreign Policy: a policy pursued by a nation in its dealings with other nations, designed to
achieve national objectives
External Affairs: Gov’t of Canada dept that coordinates Canada’s foreign policies
Foreign Aid:help in the form of expertise, technology, or financial help that is offered from one
country to another –ie Canada sends food and medical care to Italy after that country has an
earthquake
Non-interference:a nation’s policy of not involving itself in the affairs of other nations – similar
to isolationism
Domestic Jurisdiction:occurs when a group or agency can exercise power within a given area –
ie – law enforcement – the Ontario Police can enforce law anywhere in Ontario, but not in the
rest of Canada
Domestic Affairs:refers to issues, concerns and responsibilities that must be addressed within a
country’s borders – ie – providing for internal security, infrastructure, etc.
Foreign Intervention:occurs when one or more countries involve themselves in another
country’s business or affairs. – ie – Canada and the US take part in the Korean War
Sphere of Influence: is an area or region over which a state or organization has significant
cultural, economic, military or political influence – ie – After WW2, Japan was within America’s
sphere of influence