TO WHAT EXTENT SHOULD

INTERNATIONALISM BE PURSUED?

Social 20-1
December 1, 2015

HEGEMONIC INTERNATIONALISM
Hegemonic Internationalism the belief that the world is being integrated on unequal
terms, with the dominance of a small number of nations or nation-states over others
Hegemony: exerting a dominating influence over other groups or societies (a single, dominant story!)
In what ways are you made to think that the way things are is the way they ought to be?

Examples?
- For: dominant countries bring
their beliefs and help the
host become stronger
- Against: invasion
and suppression
Is the spread of language and culture an example of hegemonic internationalism?

REVOLUTIONARY
INTERNATIONALISM
Revolutionary Internationalism belief that conflicts within societies are affected by
international factors
Examples?
For: The
watchful eye of
other nations
can pressure
others to do the
right thing,
unjust acts
wont go
unnoticed

Against:
Conflicts are
started by
individuals due
to differences in
ideals and
interests inside
groups, not by
individuals
around them

Can the desire for more equitable treatment greater power, or unity by certain ethnic
groups or religions also be seen as revolutionary internationalism?

LIBERAL INTERNATIONALISM
Liberal Internationalism belief that through greater interaction
nations and nation-states can achieve common goals, including
peace and prosperity
What is the common, primary purpose of
liberal internationalism?
Wealth + Peace
Examples?

SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmYu-Wppp3c
1. How might these three types of internationalism apply to
interactions between First Nations and the Canadian government?
2. To what extent do you feel that hegemonic internationalism is, in
reality, one nation pursuing its own national interests? Is this truly
internationalism?

WHY MIGHT NATIONS

CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS?
When is it in a countrys national interest to participate in
international affairs?
Motivation behind Internationalism:
1) Self-determination
2) Humanitarianism
3) Peace and security
4) Economic stability

HUMANITARIANISM
To what extent do we have responsibilities to others around our
globe?
Moral imperative: Do the right thing!
The belief that it is everyones duty to help others in need no
matter the circumstance
Peacekeeping: preventing further conflict between parties
UN and Rwandan Genocide?
Canada?

PEACE AND SECURITY

The ability of a nation to control its own destiny and borders while
maintaining order in a calm manner.
Greatest security threats of the 21st century?
The United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and
Alliances: used to ensure international security

ECONOMIC STABILITY
The belief that internationalism can be linked to economic stability
by creating jobs through production of goods and free trade among
nations.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Break down barriers (tariffs) that restrict trade
Critiques:
Bigger and more effective economies have an advantage
Donor-country values are imposed on recipient countries

WHY MIGHT NATIONS CHOOSE NOT TO

PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS?
Isolationism:
A foreign policy in which a nation-state chooses not to become involved in the
affairs of other nations
Military or economic (trade)
United States during WWI vs. United States during War on Terror

WHY MIGHT NATIONS CHOOSE NOT TO

PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS?
Unilateral = 1
A country acting by oneself
Bilateral = 2
Two countries acting together
Multilateral = Many
Many countries acting together on a given issue
Supranationalism = Many
European Union (working towards common goals)

Multilateral approach to involvement

Canada in Iraq

ACTIVITY
1. Contemporary International Issues
2. Complete the table on Google Docs
Issue

Nature of
Involvement

Reasons for
Involvement

Reasons for
Noninvolvement

ACTIVITY CONTINUED
Rank: Top 3 Reasons for Involvement or Non-involvement in a Contemporary Global
Issue
Justify your choices

On the issue of _______, I have decided that the country(ies) of

_______ were motivated [] to be involved [] not to be involved
primarily for the following motivations:
1.
2.
3.
Evidence:
Possible disagreements:

SOCIAL ACTION PROJECT

Crisis in Syria Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvOnXh3NN9w