Foreign Policy & Internationalism Should foreign policy promote internationalism?

How Do Countries Set Foreign Policy?

How do Countries Set Foreign Policy? In your community - as in any community - people elect leaders, set goals, and make and obey laws.   They find ways to settle disputes and live together in peace. Some people interact easily with the community, but others prefer to be more isolated.   Nation-states make similar decisions about how they will live in the world with other countries.   They may decide to enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements and treaties, to work out ways to settle disputes with other nation-states, and to work together to solve mutual problems.   Decisions about how to deal with other countries are part of a country's foreign policy. How do Countries Set Foreign Policy?

How do countries set foreign policy? Foreign policy is developed by politicians, diplomats, and experts in foreign relations.  But these decisions affect people's everyday lives.  Here are some examples: How do countries set foreign policy? Much of the food you eat comes from outside Canada Many of your clothes, shoes, and other possessions are made outside of Canada Much of the television you watch and the music you enjoy are not Canadian-made Your family's income may depend on a parent or guardian who works for a company that is not Canadian-owned If you travel outside Canada, the rules you must follow to enter another country are the result of foreign policy decisions

Influences on Foreign Policy How Foreign Policy Decisions are Made: A Comparison

How Foreign Policy Decisions are Made: A Comparison In a Dictatorship In Canada How Foreign Policy Decisions are Made: A Comparison Setting foreign policy is relatively easy in countries ruled by a dictator, an absolute monarch, or a military junta - a committee of military leaders.  This is because leaders like these can make decisions without consulting the people of their country.  The leader's view of the national interest is the only one that matters. In democracies, setting foreign policy is more complicated.  Democratic leaders must ensure that their decisions reflect the beliefs, values, and goals of the country's citizens.  Individuals, collectives, and groups in the country can influence foreign policy decisions.

In August 2007, Canadian hockey star Sidney Crosby talked to the media about his fall collection of clothing. At the time, this gear was available only in Canada. Many American hockey fans wanted to know when they would be able to buy the clothes. This will depend on factors such as trade agreements, trade disputes, and border procedures - all factors related to foreign policy.

Until the end of WWII, governments and diplomats were the main players in international affairs.   Except in the case of war, their decisions rarely affected ordinary people.   But since then, the increasing pace of globalization has changed international politics.   The role of nation-states has been reduced - and multinational corporations, as well as international business, labour, and humanitarian organizations, have become more important

How can Nation-States Promote Internationalism Through Foreign Policy? Countries can use foreign policy strategies to promote internationalism in many ways.  These may include peacekeeping, international law and agreements, and foreign aid.

American and Russian ground troops take part in a joint military training exercise in Hohenfels, Germany, in 2007.   The goal was to practice working together in preparation for UN peacekeeping operations.

The cruise ship Explorer was owned by the Canadian tour company G.A.P. Adventures.   In November 2007, it hit ice off Antarctica and sank.   The Norwegian tourist ship Nordnorge was nearby and responded to the Explorer's distress call.   It rescued all 154 passengers, including eight Canadians.   The Nordnorge was obeying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This law requires all ships to try to rescue anyone in distress on the high seas.  Every nation-state is responsible for ensuring that its ships obey this law.

David Beasley is the executive director of the World Food Programme. “Assisting 80 million people in around 80 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience” (WFP, 2017). They lead numerous operations including distributing food to refugees on behalf of all member states in the United Nations.

Foreign Policy ’Tools’ to Promote Peace Using foreign policy to build world peace is a powerful strategy for promoting internationalism.   Two major foreign policy tools that nation-states use to achieve this goal are: Incentives - offering closer international relations, provided certain conditions are met Sanctions - cutting off relations, such as trade, with a state until hostile behaviour stops Foreign Policy ’Tools’ to Promote Peace

Yes - Sanctions Help Build Peace No - Sanctions Are Inhumane Canada has been participating in the enforcement of UN sanctions against Iraq for 10 years, and our contribution is viewed as crucial by our allies.  This operation will...reaffirm our commitment to peace and stability in this region. Art Eggleton, Canada's Defence Minister, 2000 The combined efforts of the "Gulf War" and the international [ban on trade], have killed 1.5 million men, women, and children in Iraq in the last 12 years. Among the victims are 750,000 children under five years old, according to UNICEF. Canadian Network to End Sanctions in Iraq, 2003