Nations, Nation-States,

and Internationalism
RELATED ISSUE 3
Chapter 9 Introduction

Does international involvement in

international affairs benefit nations and
nation-states?

What motivates nations and nation-states to

become involved in international affairs?

Psychologist believe that peoples

behavior is motivated by
Needs- things that people need to
survive
and
Wants- things that people desire. Wants
are not necessary to survive

Maslow's Hierarchy of
Needs

Needs and Motives of Successful

Nation-States
The behavior of nations and nationstates is motivates by the collective
needs and wants of the countries
people.
The actions of responsible
government serve the national
interest.

 Many successful nation-states,

especially those with democratic
governments, are motivated to
achieve and maintain
Economic stability
Peace and security
Self-determination
Humanitarianism

Economic Stability
Nations and nation-states serve their national interests by
seeking ways to achieve economic stability.
For example- A national government might decide to
provide more money for training apprentices in skilled
trades. By creating a more skilled workforce, the
government will attract more industries to the country,
which will generate more job opportunities.
National government might also develop trade policies
Positive Effects
of Increasing
that support exports. Strong exports
help keep
Exports
employment levels high.

Peace & Security

Nations & nation-states often promote
safety & security by passing laws, creating
police forces, and making rules for the
workplace. They also provide security
through their interaction with the rest of the
world.
Most national states are motivated to
develop peaceful relations with the rest of
the world, as well as, create alliances with
one or more countries to protect themselves
against conflict. Example: NATO & NORAD

Self-Determination
Nations and nation-states are strongly
motivated to control their own future. They
may do this by seeking sovereignty
In the 1800s many Canadians wanted to determine
their own future & become independent of Britain

Other nations decide their interests can be

served best if they are part of a larger nationstate
Since the creation of Nunavut in 1999, Inuit
peoples in Canada have controlled many aspects of
their destiny in Canada- land resources, education
& government

Humanitarianism
Nations & nation-states are also
motivated to take action to relieve
suffering and protect the innocent.
This motivation is called
humanitarianism- acting to support
the dignity and well-being of all
people.
Humanitarian efforts also extend
beyond Canadas national bordersnatural disasters, disease, war &
conflict can cause tremendous
suffering.