Unit D

Question 1

Internationalism:

Answer 1

The belief that all countries have a responsibility to help solve problems throughout the world, and to work respectfully with other countries to accomplish this.

Question 2

There are four important motivations that cause nations to interact on the world stage. They are:

Answer 2

Economic stability, self-determination, peace and security and humanitarianism.

Question 3

Why is Canada part of CUSMA?

Answer 3

For trade agreements between Mexico and the US.

Question 4

Explain the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD):

Answer 4

An alliance of 37 wealthy nations who cooperate to “foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.”

Question 5

What organization was created to replace the League of Nations?

Answer 5

The United Nations and various alliances and agreements.

Question 6

NATO:

Answer 6

An alliance that includes 30 nations including the US, Britain and France. NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. NATO promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict.

Question 7

What makes Quebec viewed as a nation within a nation?

Answer 7

French President Charles de Gaulle visited Quebec in 1967 and declared “Vive le Québec libre!” (Long live a free Québec). Since then, Prime Minister Stephen Harper admitted Québec is a nation within a nation. The de Gaulle statement shows that a nation without nation-state status can also benefit from engaging with the international community. It helped by adding legitimacy to Québec’s claim for unique status in Canada.

Question 8

Give an example of First Nation’s wanting international recognition:

Answer 8

The Lubicon Cree in Northern Alberta has struggled with the Canadian government over the issue of being left out of Treaty 8 which was signed in 1899. In 1988, the Lubicon Lake First Nation called for a boycott of the Calgary Olympics; it received support from world organizations including Amnesty International.

Question 9

Palestinian international recognition:

Answer 9

Palestinians have been in conflict with the nation-state of Israel since it came into existence in 1948. Palestinians have consistently appealed to the international community for assistance and in 2012 was admitted to the United Nations with “non-member Observer Status”.

Question 10

What did Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson do for International Aid? Did it work?

Answer 10

In 1969, Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson was behind a World Bank proposal that all nations should spend 0.7% of their Gross National Income on “official development assistance”. A few nations like Denmark, Sweden and the UK reached that target; most nations have not. Canada itself spends less than half the target amount.

Question 11

Foreign Policy:

Answer 11

A foreign policy is a plan of action made by politicians and diplomats for how to deal with other countries.

Question 12

How do citizens in a democracy influence foreign policy?

Answer 12

In a democracy the citizens have large influence over foreign policy. Citizens elect the government. Governments aim to reflect the will of the people in their foreign policy decisions.

Question 13

Isolationism:

Answer 13

The policy of completely staying out of international affairs. This foreign policy approach believes internationalism is not desirable. A country using isolationism does not want to work with any country on any issue.

Question 14

Japan’s Isolationism Era:

Answer 14

From 1650–1854 Japan was almost completely isolated. This time period is known as the Tokugawa Era. No one was allowed to enter or leave the country. The emperors of Japan at the time felt it was in Japan’s national interest to stay completely isolated.

Question 15

How was the UN created?

Answer 15

The United Nations was created in 1945 at the UN Conference on International Organization in San Francisco. Ralph Bunche was an American civil rights advocate who assisted with the formation of the United Nations. Bunche was involved with many activities and negotiations related to decolonization and helped author the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Question 16

How did Ralph Bunche promote peacekeeping in the Middle East?

Answer 16

After the Second World War, the nation-state of Israel was created, which sparked a significant conflict in the Middle East. Bunche became the chief mediator between Israel and Palestine and he peacefully negotiated the end to the conflict. For this, Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This act of brokering the end to the conflict by peaceful negotiation was the start of what would eventually become UN peacekeeping.

Question 17

Consent from all parties:

Answer 17

The groups involved in the conflict must all agree to have peacekeeping forces present.

Question 18

Impartiality:

Answer 18

Peacekeeping forces must remain neutral and not take any sides.

Question 19

Non-use of force:

Answer 19

Peacekeeping forces can not use force except in self-defence.

Question 20

Unilateralism:

Answer 20

Unilateralism is the policy of attempting to solve issues or problems alone.

Question 21

Why might a country act unilaterally?

Answer 21

A country may choose to act unilaterally because they don’t want help. A country may ask for help but get no response and then is forced to act alone.

Question 22

Give an example of unilateralism:

Answer 22

Some countries have chosen to attempt to solve the issue of climate change on their own. These countries do not sign on to international agreements aimed at preventing or slowing down climate change. President Donald Trump withdrew America from the Paris Agreement on climate in 2017.

Question 23

Bilateralism:

Answer 23

Bilateralism is the policy of working with one other country. Two countries agree to cooperate together on an issue or problem.

Question 24

Give an example of bilateralism:

Answer 24

Canada and America have many bilateral agreements that deal with the economy, environment, travel, and immigration. Canada and America agreed to close their border to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 25

Multilateralism:

Answer 25

Multilateralism is the policy of many countries working together. Many nations work together on issues or problems that affect multiple nations in the world.

Question 26

Give an example of multilateralism:

Answer 26

The Paris Agreement was signed by over 190 countries. The goal of the agreement is to keep the rise in global temperature below 2 degrees celsius. Nations have agreed to reduce their CO2 emissions and commit money and efforts to reduce their own nation’s contributions to climate change. These nations agree that working together through internationalism is the best way to combat climate change.

Question 27

Supranationalism:

Answer 27

Supranationalism is the policy of many nations working together and acting like one. Nations agree to be part of an international organization and follow the rules of that organization.

Question 28

What is a downside to supra nationalism?

Answer 28

Being part of such an organization can add limits to a country’s national self-determination.

Question 29

Give an example of supra nationalism:

Answer 29

The European Union is the union of 27 European countries. All member nations follow the same rules on things like trade, immigration, travel and human rights.
There is a government that makes decisions about what happens within the EU.

Question 30

How did Lester B. Pearson participate in peacekeeping?

Answer 30

Former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson is considered the father of peacekeeping. In 1956, he was the Secretary of State for External Affairs. He organized the United Nations Emergency Force to deal with conflict in Egypt. This was the first peacekeeping force to be organized.

Question 31

What was the first peace-keeping event that Canada participated in?

Answer 31

Egypt.

Question 32

How did Canada help promote peace-keeping in Egypt and Great Britain?

Answer 32

The first mission to use peacekeeping forces was to help resolve the conflict that erupted in 1956 between Great Britain and Egypt over who would control the Suez Canal. Pearson would go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his initiative. He would become Prime Minister of Canada in 1963. Canada has participated in over thirty peacekeeping missions since the Suez Canal. Canada has often used peacekeeping to define its role in promoting internationalism. At times, peacekeeping has been a defining characteristic of Canada’s national identity.

Question 33

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):

Answer 33

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is committed to protecting places that represent the cultural heritage of a nation. UN Peacekeepers have been engaged in protecting cultural heritage sites from destruction during conflicts.

Question 34

What are the challenges with peacekeeping?

Answer 34

Peacekeepers have become the targets of attack. Peacekeepers have engaged in violent/sexual attacks against citizens. Conflicts can change quickly and peacekeepers are unable to handle rapid escalations in violence.

Question 35

Tied aid:

Answer 35

When countries place conditions on the assistance they give. Tied aid can be used to advance political motives. For example, help is given, however, it must be spent only on specific goods and only from the country giving the aid. Some world leaders have been accused of using foreign aid to their own benefit, this is known as corruption.

Question 36

Challenges With Foreign Aid:

Answer 36

There is concern that in some cases, money and products that are sent to some areas never reach their intended destination. In some cases the logistics of sending aid packages in an urgent situation can result in problems such as when pork is sent to a Muslim area or medicines are sent without instructions. Other concerns centre on the possibility of nations becoming too dependent on foreign aid.

Question 37

Economic sanctions:

Answer 37

A political action a country takes to hurt another country’s economy by cutting off supplies of goods and access to markets. Countries, where major violations of human rights, terrorism and/or corruption are happening, can be subject to sanctions.

Question 38

Challenges With Sanctions:

Answer 38

In many cases, sanctions have greater effects on the lives of citizens than the government or ruling elite. Economic sanctions often result in the reduction of access for citizens to the basic necessities of life, such as food, water and medicine. Some people believe because of the higher impact on citizens than government officials, sanctions are not a desirable way to pursue internationalism.

Question 39

The United Nations was formed in ____ to preserve world peace. Today it does far more; it is by far the largest international organization with ___ member states.

Answer 39

1945, 193

Question 40

Member nations support the UN through:

Answer 40

Contributions based mainly on their ability to pay and cooperate with UN agencies and programs.

Question 41

Goals of the United Nations:

Answer 41

Maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian aid, promote sustainable development and uphold international law.

Question 42

The General Assembly:

Answer 42

The UN General Assembly functions as a parliament. It meets every year in New York and all members have a vote. Important policy decisions related to peace and security, new members and budgetary matters, need two-thirds support. Other matters need 50% approval.

Question 43

The Security Council:

Answer 43

The Security Council can impose sanctions or the use of force. Five of the 15 members are permanent: China, France, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom. They were victorious nations at the end of the Second World War. The council has ten alternating, non-permanent members from nations selected by the General Assembly.

Question 44

The Secretary-General:

Answer 44

The top position at the UN is the Secretary-General. This person is elected by the General Assembly and by tradition comes from diverse regions of the world. The current Secretary-General is António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres from Portugal.
Former Secretary-General, Kofi Annan of Ghana, was the first African to hold the position (1997-2006).

Question 45

Has the UN been generally successful?

Answer 45

Yes.

Question 46

What are the criticisms of the UN?

Answer 46

The UN’s expanded role in world affairs and continued support from nation-states demonstrates it has been successful at promoting internationalism. But the UN has its detractors who point to problems with its bureaucracy and spending. At times the United States, the UN’s greatest contributor, has chosen not to pay its full dues, arguing other nations should pay more.

Question 47

UNESCO’S Purpose:

Answer 47

UNESCO is a UN agency with a goal to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences and culture. It identifies natural and human sites it believes belong to the “common human heritage” and must therefore be protected. UNESCO decides what sites qualify, even though the sites are inside sovereign nations.

Question 48

Give an example of a UNESCO protected place being destroyed:

Answer 48

An extreme example involved the Bamiyan Buddhas, a holy Buddhist site dating to the 6th century. The site is in Afghanistan and was listed as a Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In 2001, the Taliban government, known for its religious intolerance, ignored UNESCO and destroyed the site with explosives.

Question 49

In 1987, UNESCO named Uluru, formerly Ayers Rock, a World Heritage Site. Explain its challenges:

Answer 49

Increased tourism led to tensions between local residents and the Australian government. Since 2019, the climbing of this culturally significant place for the Indigenous people of this area, the Anangu, has been banned.

Question 50

The EU began with six member nations and now has __, with several nations waiting to be accepted. Member states elect representatives to a European parliament.

Answer 50

27

Question 51

The EU is an example of what type of nationalism?

Answer 51

Supranationalism: its members are required to give up some authority to the EU government which is located mainly in Belgium.

Question 52

Why is Ireland happy to be part of the EU?

Answer 52

As EU citizens, Irish people can live and work freely in any member state. Irish businesses find it easier to trade in European and international markets.
Ireland has attracted billions in foreign investment resulting in more than 700,000 jobs being created. EU legislation has resulted in men and women receiving equal pay.

Question 53

Why did Britain push for Brexit?

Answer 53

The EU threatened British sovereignty. Burdensome regulations harmed business. The Euro currency was bad for Britain. Too many immigrants were entering Britain. Corporate interests in the EU were taking advantage of Britain.

Question 54

The World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCIP):

Answer 54

The World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) was formed in the 1970s to provide a voice for Indigenous peoples around the world dealing with the legacies of colonialism. The WCIP was based in Canada but had members from South and Central America, Northern Europe and New Zealand. WCIP achieved observer status at the United Nations before disbanding in 1996. Organizations like the WCIP paved the way for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration challenges nations with a colonial history, including Canada, to establish “a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world.” Several nations, including Canada, opposed the Declaration in 2007 but later accepted it after pressure from Indigenous peoples and the global community.

Question 55

The Arctic Council:

Answer 55

The Arctic Council includes eight nations with territory in the Arctic, including Canada, Russia, the US, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. It also includes permanent Indigenous representation from groups like the Inuit and Gwich’in from Canada and the Sami from Scandinavia and experts and observers who can help the council in its work. The council was formed by the Ottawa Declaration in 1996. It has become a valuable resource for the world on northern issues. It has facilitated international agreements related to scientific cooperation, searches and rescue procedures and oil pollution preparedness. With global warming and the melting of Arctic ice, the council has been closely monitoring the increase in shipping through Canada’s Northwest Passage.

Question 56

La Francophonie:

Answer 56

La Francophonie represents almost 90 nation-states including Canada, where French is an official language. It promotes the French language and culture but is also active in injustice issues. Some member nations have been criticized by organizations like Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders. As a result, La Francophonie has tried to exert pressure to improve conditions inside member states. At a summit in Québec City in 2008, La Francophonie committed to “working to achieve social stabilization in certain African countries and to strengthen peacekeeping efforts, while also identifying protection of journalists as a priority.” An offshoot of the La Francophonie is Jeux de la Francophonie, a large sporting and cultural event for the French-speaking world. The games have been hosted in recent years by Morocco, France, Madagascar, Ottawa, Niger, Lebanon and the Ivory Coast.

Question 57

The Paris Agreement:

Answer 57

Over 190 countries have signed an agreement to lower carbon dioxide emissions and take action within their own countries to slow down climate change. The Paris Agreement has targets that countries have committed to try and meet.
This international agreement is an example of a multilateral approach to reducing emissions. Many people within these member countries oppose these measures, mainly for economic reasons.

Question 58

What are the main global issues?

Answer 58

Climate change, disease, access to water, poverty, debt, human rights, and conflict.

Question 59

Imperialism:

Answer 59

A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Question 60

Nationalism:

Answer 60

Identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.

Question 61

Humanitarianism:

Answer 61

The promotion of human welfare.

Question 62

Collective Security:

Answer 62

The condition of protecting all members of a group or collective from danger. The United Nations tries to ensure the collective security of all member states.

Question 63

Protectionism:

Answer 63

The theory or practise of shielding a country’s domestic industries from foreign competition by taxing imports.

Question 64

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF):

Answer 64

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

Question 65

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):

Answer 65

The United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

Question 66

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):

Answer 66

UNODC’s mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism.

Question 67

The World Health Organization (WHO):

Answer 67

The WHO is funded by countries like Canada and it employs medical experts from around the world. The WHO works with countries around the world to prevent the spread of disease by finding and tracking the spread of new disease, providing advice and measures to be taken to prevent the spread of disease, and helping countries to coordinate technical responses to disease outbreaks throughout the world.

Question 68

Explain the problems with Earth’s water supply:

Answer 68

Access to water is recognized as a human right by the United Nations, but there is a lack of access to safe, clean water around the world. Canada has one of the largest supplies of fresh water. It is estimated that it has access to 20% of the world’s surface freshwater. Canada has come under pressure internationally to share its water with the rest of the world. Canada has the sovereignty to use the water within its borders for any purpose. Many countries are pressuring Canada to share its water and to allow water to be exchanged as part of free trade agreements.

Question 69

The European Union (EU):

Answer 69

Member nations of the EU have given up a large degree of self-determination to have the benefit of working closely with other countries to improve economic and social conditions for their people. The EU has a shared currency called the Euro.

Question 70

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD):

Answer 70

The United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America.

Question 71

Human Rights:

Answer 71

During the First World War, many people witnessed and learned of horrible human rights violations happening all over the world. The United Nations passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This document guaranteed the rights of every person in the world. Sometimes countries violate the basic human rights of their own citizens. The United Nations can intervene in these countries and attempt to put an end to the rights violations. However, political alliances and the pursuit of national interest in other countries often prevent the United Nations from taking action. The five permanent members of the United Nations security council must unanimously agree to take action against another country to end human rights violations. However, it is rare for all five nations to agree, which makes action difficult or impossible.

Question 72

Give an example of a human rights issue that could not be intervened with by the UN security council?

Answer 72

In 2007, the military government of Myanmar began killing and imprisoning thousands of peaceful protestors. A resolution was brought to the Security Council to call for an end to the rights violations. The resolution was voted down by China and Russia, who both felt that Myanmar was not a threat to international security.