8.5.2 Canada's National Interests and Internationalism

Should internationalism be pursued?

Big Ideas:

  • Nation-states take part in regional and global affairs for many reasons.

  • Nation and state involvement in regional and global affairs impacts individual and collective identities.

  • Internationalism can be promoted in foreign policy.


While a nation's participation in global affairs may create new approaches to solving international problems and may advance the national interests of its citizens, critics of a nation's foreign policy may have issues with the resources (financial and staff) diverted to support a nation's foreign policy and international initiatives at the expense of its own internal affairs.

© Library of Archives Canada
Former Canadian Prime Minister and Noble Peace Prize Award Winner Lester B. Pearson wrote in his memoirs: "Everything I learned during the war confirmed and strengthened my view as a Canadian that our foreign policy must not be timid or fearful of commitments, but activist in accepting international responsibility."
Mike: The Memoirs of the Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson






© Creative Commons
"Turning aside from our responsibilities is not an option. Instead we must think carefully and deeply about what is happening, and find a way forward.

By definition, the path we choose must be one that serves the interests of all Canadians and upholds our broadly held national values; that preserves and nurtures Canadian prosperity and security; and that contributes to our collective goal of a better, safer, more just, more prosperous, and sustainable world. One we can pass onto our children and grandchildren, with a sense of having done the right thing."
The Honorable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2017

Involvement in the international community and preserving national interests is a complicated endeavour. Like Pearson, many people view the world as one large community. With ever-increasing globalization, many believe that the global community is responsible for working together to solve the world's problems. However, Freeland's statement also highlights the importance of keeping national interests in mind as nations define and implement their foreign policies.

View Global Affairs Canada's video " Canada is Making a Difference" detailing Canada's efforts in international development.
 

After World War II, many countries concluded they can be involved in international affairs and still attend to their own national interests. Especially today, if countries worked cooperatively to create fair and equitable trading regulations, trade would increase and the economies of all countries (developed and developing) would benefit. A belief in internationalism can inspire people to work together to effect positive change.


Fair Trade

Banana Farmer
© Thinkstock

Go to your textbook, Understanding Nationalism, and read pages 214 to 216. These pages will further your understanding of the ways in which internationalism can attempt to resolve problems and bring countries together.
Take notes using the 8.5.2 Notebook Organizer (Word, PDF, Google Doc) about what you have read and viewed on this page and in your textbook (if you need help on how to take notes, click here). When you are done, return here to continue.