Nationalism vs. Internationalism

1. Nationalism vs. Internationalism Dilemma? What dilemma? (Chap 15) SS 20-1

2. At Issue? • 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??

3. Why is nationalism sometimes sacrificed in favour of internationalism? • The 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?

4. National culture vs. European culture • 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

5. Some other cultural concerns . . . • 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?

6. Compromise, Harmonize . . . • 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

7. Who serves whom? • International terrorism is a shared concern for all nations • Since Sept. 11, 2001, the US and Canada have increasingly coordinated their security and defense 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 multi-country 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 defense capabilities have improved in recent years

8. Onto NAFTA for the final word . . • 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-chartto record your findings • Does Canada gain more than it loses by giving up some of its national interests to accommodate NAFTA?