8.5.1 Balancing National Self-Interests with Internationalism

Should internationalism be pursued?

Big Idea:

  • The extent to which nationalism must be sacrificed in the interest of internationalism

Nations are often concerned with their freedom to make independent decisions. They want their nation's choices to reflect their own national self-interest. Countries often want the sovereignty (the freedom and independence) to act freely in their national interest. However, a nation's foreign policy (how a sovereign nation balances its own national interest with its role in the international community) may come into conflict with other nations' interests, or the global community as a whole.

Allowing an individual nation to have complete freedom of action could be hazardous.  The international community has developed rules of behaviour that limits one nation's freedom of action for the safety of the global group. All nations give up some freedoms so that the international community can have a certain amount of freedom and security. In the global community, nations give some of their power to a decision-making group (such as the United Nations) to make laws, and to allow security forces (such as military forces contributed by member nations) to enforce these laws.

One of the challenges that every nation faces is that of trying to balance the pursuit of their own interests and goals with the pursuit of stability in the international community.  When should a nation pursue their own national self-interests above the interests of the international community?


It can be challenging to balance an individual nation's rights and freedoms with the rights and freedoms of the global community. Laws governing the conduct of countries in the international community have been developed (international law). By agreeing to these laws, countries give up some of their sovereignty and national interests for the greater good of the international community. A supranational organization (an organization that has power or influence that goes beyond national boundaries or governments, such as the United Nations) is given the power of decision-making and the responsibility of ensuring international security.

However, countries may not like the restrictions placed upon them by the international community and the supranational institutions. When faced with restrictions, countries may view international cooperation as a violation of their sovereignty.

Every nation must perform a balancing act between its national interests and internationalism. Should a country pay more attention to its own national interests (non-involvement) or should it have more involvement in the international community?

Reflect

View the following 2012 video "John Baird: Canada's Pivot Towards Asia".


The video highlights Canada's approach to pursuing its national economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region. However, as part of these partnerships, Canada expects that the nations in the Asia-Pacific region address their human rights issues. As you view the video, consider: how realistic is it for Canada to expect other nations to give up some of their sovereignty in the pursuit of their economic self-interests?