2020-04-23
1
MODERN CONFLICT AND COOPERATION
Social Studies 2201
Unit 5, Outcome 14.0
14.0 Modern Conflict and Cooperation
In this outcome we will…
■ 14.1 explain the ideology of imperialism and the influence it had on the human experience
■ 14.2 explain how modern ideological thinking has influenced the use of conflict and cooperation to achieve political and economic goals
■ 14.3 explain the role of supranational agencies, such as the United Nations, in addressing global issues
2020-04-23
2
■ As the 19th century drew to a close, Europe was at the pinnacle of its power with imperialism dominating national policies.
■ Imperialism: process by which powerful nations extend their influence over foreign countries through the acquisition of colonies.
■ Colony: A territory controlled by another state for resources, military advantage or prestige.
■ Imperialism, as a geopolitical ideology (belief system that influences political actions), would have three primary reasons for its use:
– Gold
– God
– Glory
14.1 Imperialism
1. Gold (Economic)
Overseas colonies provided opportunities
for economic expansion to the “mother
country” in Europe:
Economic expansion
Raw materials & sources of labour
Outlets for surplus capital
Markets for manufactured / surplus
goods
■ e.g., Boer War (1899/1902) took place
in South Africa. Britain gained control of
gold/diamond producing territory in a
conflict with Dutch settlers in the region.
14.1 Imperialism
2020-04-23
3
14.1 Imperialism
Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman, was instrumental in
planning the British expansion into Africa during the late
1800s.
2. God (Ideological / Moral)
Cultural and religious beliefs force states into imperialism as a "missionary activity“.
(e.g., make other people into good Christians, bringing civilization / progress to ‘savage’ and undeveloped colonies).
Britain's colonial empire existed in part by the idea that it was the "white man‘s burden" to civilize "backward" peoples.
In other words, the “superior white race” (major European states & USA) had a burden to educate the inferior and uncivilized non-white races (racism).
14.1 Imperialism
2020-04-23
4
14.1 Imperialism
3. Glory (Political)
Many states are motivated to expand by
desire for power,
prestige (widespread
respect and admiration), and security. These
things give a country
diplomatic advantages, which can make it easier
for the country to get
what it wants when negotiating with others.
(e.g., Britain & France
race to seize colonies in Africa)
14.1 Imperialism
By 1900, most of Africa and Asia were divided into colonies by Western states
2020-04-23
5
■ As we have seen, imperialism is about gaining control of land, people, and resources. Early imperialism (15th-16th
centuries) did not involve going far into new territory, which limited control and resources available to Europeans.
– A colonizer may only control harbour areas, or those close to sea for trade purposes.
■ In the 18th and 19th centuries, imperialism would involve greater depth of control over colonies and have greater economic, political, and social effects.
– This would result in new ways of governing people and greater spread of European ideals.
14.1 Imperialism
In 1884-1885, the Berlin Conference
was held by European states. The
purpose was to lay down rules for the
division of Africa. The influential in
these states assumed they were
entitled to this territory, but did not
consider or consult local groups who
lived there.
COMPLETE “14.1 –
“IMPERIALISM IN
AFRICA” ACTIVITY
14.1 Imperialism
2020-04-23
6
14.1 Forms of Imperialism
■ Due to different
policies and
goals among
European
countries, four
types of colonial
control emerged:
■ European
countries
preferred
different ways
of governing
their colonies.
These can be
divided into
indirect and
direct methods
of control:
14.1 Imperial Management of Colonies
2020-04-23
7
14.1 Imperial Management of Colonies
■ Britain preferred to use indirect methods of management, but France
and Germany preferred direct control.
– For this reason, British colonies tended to experience less
rebellion and the colonial leaders were somewhat tolerant of local
cultures. Tensions did still exist between colonizer and colony.
■ Two direct imperial management policies used by the French are
highlighted below:
■ Paternalism is a direct management policy in which the “mother
country” governed the colonies in a parental way, usually by providing
their needs, but not giving them rights.
■ Assimilation is a policy used by the French, which involved
encouraging the local population to adopt French culture and become
more like the mother country. They built schools, courts, and
businesses that were all based on a French way of life.
14.0 Modern Conflict and Cooperation
In this outcome we will…
■ 14.1 explain the ideology of imperialism and the influence it had on the human experience
■ 14.2 explain how modern ideological thinking has influenced the use of conflict and cooperation to achieve political and economic goals
■ 14.3 explain the role of supranational agencies, such as the United Nations, in addressing global issues
2020-04-23
8
Today, ideology can take a variety of forms, but in all cases it involves ideas
about how a people should manage their affairs as a group.
The most common way to think of our own ideologies today is whether they are
right-wing or left-wing:
Right-wing ideology is associated with conservative thought, maintaining the
status quo, or of taking a very traditional approach to issues (i.e.,
maintaining the current order).
Left-wing ideology is more progressive, radical, extreme and in opposition to
the status quo (i.e., changing the current order).
Many people fall into a middle ground between the two, as they may feel left or
right-wing views are too extreme. This is called centrist or moderate.
14.2 Modern Ideology
It is helpful to think of modern ideology on a continuum between left-wing and
right-wing. This is called the political spectrum.
Think of the major events in modern history we have covered in this course (e.g.,
growth of capitalism, Industrial Revolution, growth of socialism, unions, and
communism, harsh rule by dictators, etc.).
How do these developments relate to left or right-wing ideology?
14.2 Modern Ideology
2020-04-23
9
If we take the Industrial Revolution period as an example we see the following:
The Industrial Revolution led to the generation of vast amounts of wealth for
a limited number of people.
The gap between rich and poor grew greater than had ever been seen
before in human history.
Right-wing ideology would support maintaining the order and economic and
social structures that existed at the time (i.e., opposed to radical change).
As a result of hardships faced by many people and groups, there have been
various reactions to these inequalities, such as the introduction of socialism as
a left-wing ideology to address these concerns (i.e., create positive change for
people).
To find a middle alternative that appealed to views on both sides, centrist
parties have developed that advocate for progressive change, but not sudden
changes to societal structures.
14.2 Modern Ideology
In our last example, we can see questions
arise about the role of government. In the
last two hundred years, two views have
developed about government and how
involved it should be in the lives of citizens:
Authoritarians believe that government
is vital in addressing the economic and
social concerns and needs of citizens.
Libertarians believe in individual
freedom, liberty of decision-making and
limited government interference in
citizens’ ability to do this.
14.2 Modern Ideology
COMPLETE “14.2 – YOUR
PERSPECTIVES” ACTIVITY
2020-04-23
10
As you saw from the last activity,
these ideologies can be plotted on a
continuum to make a general
comparison of ideas easier.
The graph on the right shows where
the big political parties in Canada fall
and how left-wing / right-wing and
authoritarian / libertarian they are.
When we compare the range of
political ideologies in Canada, we
might say that the Liberal Party is the
closest to centrist, while the NDP,
Green party, and Bloc Quebecois are
farther to the left-wing side. The
Conservative Party is the most right-
wing.
14.2 Modern Ideology
Of primary importance here is that even
though these political parties have different
ideologies, they all believe that democracy
is the best framework for achieving the
goals that citizens have.
Democracy– form of government in which
citizens choose their leaders in open and fair
elections. Also called “rule of the many”.
Decision making is based on the rule of
the majority of the citizens.
It is the responsibility of the government
to represent the will of the people.
There are guarantees in law for the
freedoms of expression, assembly,
religion and the press.
14.2 Modern Ideology
2020-04-23
11
In some other countries, extreme versions of ideologies can have serious
consequences for people’s lives.
Followers of extreme left-wing ideology (communism) or extreme right-wing
ideology (fascism) typically use aggressive and violent tactics to achieve
their goals. This often includes forcing others to accept the ideology of those
in charge.
Extreme ideologies such as these are conflict-driven by their very nature and
will use assimilation, competition, and terror to achieve goals. Often this
results in:
fewer protections of rights and safety for individuals
little say or political involvement
wealth distribution issues and increased poverty
oppression of minority groups and discrimination
14.2 Modern Ideology
Authoritarian – a form of government that
limits the freedoms of its citizens, demands
strict obedience to government authority, and
does not allow criticism of its policies.
There is a push for nationalism
(devotion to a country) in order to create
loyalty and support from the citizens.
Freedoms lost include equality before
the law, freedoms of speech and
association, and the freedom to create
other political parties.
14.2 Modern Ideology
2020-04-23
12
Types of Authoritarianism
Absolute Monarchy: Power and authority rests with one
person (king, queen, sultan, sheikh,
emir, etc.)
Upon death, the power is passed on
to a child of the former ruler.
One-Party Nation state: Power and authority rests with one
political party. This is essentially an
oligarchy (rule of the few)
No other groups or political parties
are allowed to affect government.
Military Authoritarianism Power and authority rests with one or
more military leaders. Also called junta.
They either refuse to give up power or
have seized power from the elected
government by force.
Religious Nation State Power and authority rests with spiritual
leaders whose religious beliefs form the
framework of the government.
Laws are created and control based on
the beliefs set forth by the religion of the
nation state.
14.2 Modern Ideology
Communist States
Communism – a form of government in which
ownership of most goods is held by the state,
which generally has some form of authoritarian
government.
Has state-controlled education and healthcare.
Usually has secret police to enforce will of rulers.
Public criticism of the government is not permitted.
Few individual rights.
Individualism is exchanged for the collective, where
everyone shares services and experiences in
common. The ruling person(s) is often the
exception.
14.2 Modern Ideology
2020-04-23
13
14.0 Modern Conflict and Cooperation
In this outcome we will…
■ 14.1 explain the ideology of imperialism and the influence it had on the human experience
■ 14.2 explain how modern ideological thinking has influenced the use of conflict and cooperation to achieve political and economic goals
■ 14.3 explain the role of supranational agencies, such as the United Nations, in addressing global issues
Generally speaking, countries with similar ideologies will
likely be more cooperative, while countries with differing
ideologies will be more likely to experience conflict.
On the global stage, conflicts have one of three
outcomes:
A solution is found that is acceptable to all parties.
The parties involved learn to live peacefully in an
“adversarial state” without the need to proceed to
“adversarial action”.
Some conflicts may worsen to the point where they
become armed conflicts. This means each side will
use force to achieve its goals.
14.3 Growing Global Cooperation
2020-04-23
14
It’s common between countries that have similar
ideologies to use other methods of interaction:
Co-option is the process by which potential
opponents become closely tied to one another
long before conflict occurs. (e.g., France and
Germany after WW2)
Government Diplomacy involves international
negotiations that take place through formal
government channels.
These options are more cooperative by nature and are
likely to occur between democratic countries.
It is important to note that two authoritarian countries
may use these methods when interacting together as
well.
14.3 Growing Global Cooperation
Supranational Agencies
Attempts have been made in the past to achieve international cooperation:
After the Napoleonic Wars (early 1800s), the Congress of Vienna reached an agreement referred to as the Concert of Europe. This was a system of dispute resolution adopted by the major conservative powers of Europe to maintain their power and oppose revolutionary movements.
After the First World War, U.S. President Wilson’s League of Nations was formed to prevent wars through collective security and disarmament, and to settle international disputes through negotiation and arbitration. While the League has since been considered unsuccessful in achieving these goals, it represents the first attempt in the 20th century to create a supranational agency to help resolve issues and promote international safety.
14.3 Growing Global Cooperation
Supranational
Agency:
An international
group in which the
power and influence
of member states go
beyond national
boundaries or
interests to share in
decision-making and
vote on issues
concerning the
global community.
2020-04-23
15
Supranational Agencies
The end of the Second World War marked a turning point in efforts towards
global cooperation. The technological advances of the industrial revolution not
only created new products and mass produced them for consumers, but it also
allowed for the development of more destructive weapons and in numbers
never before seen.
It was this deadly combination that led to the First and Second World Wars,
culminating in the development and use of atomic weapons; the significance
of which was that humans now had the ability to destroy the human race and
all life on this planet.
For the first time in history, the need to find cooperative resolution
mechanisms to resolve international issues and concerns became vital.
14.3 Growing Global Cooperation
Supranational Agencies
At the same time, the growth of democratic institutions and the spread of human and political rights created the ideal opportunity
for the creation of an organization, such as the United Nations.
The United Nations (UN) was established as an international
organization with the goal of countries working together to improve the world. It’s primary purpose is to maintain peace and security,
while helping improve life in all nations.
The UN has two bodies which address issues related to peace and security:
The Security Council is the part of the organization that has the greatest involvement with peace initiatives and has the ability
to propose restrictions or sanctions (e.g., verbal, economic, or
military) on other countries who threaten world security.
The General Assembly includes representatives from all 193
member states and debates significant issues of global concern.
14.3 Growing Global Cooperation
Other agencies of
the UN such as the
World Health
Organization,
UNICEF, and The
International Court
of Justice, have
focused on
addressing global
economic and
social concerns.
2020-04-23
16
Supranational Agencies
International cooperation is quite hard to achieve and, though the UN has been a force for good in the world, it has not been able to achieve all of its goals.
Successes of the United Nations:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights – A document drawn up by the UN to recognize and outline the protection of human rights of all people.
World Health Organization - has played a key role in treating infectious diseases around the world since 1948. (e.g.; eradication of Smallpox)
Protecting the environment - In 1987, the UN Environment Program sponsored 24 nations to pledge to take action against the deterioration of the ozone layer. After five years of talks the group produced the Montreal Protocol — a treaty to reduce the emissions of chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs.
Peacekeeping - By providing basic security guarantees and responding to crises, UN operations have supported political transitions around the world. They have helped countries end conflict and progress along a path of development, even if major peace-building challenges remain.
14.3 Growing Global Cooperation
Supranational Agencies
Failures of the United Nations:
■ Peacekeeping - Peacekeeping missions have not always been successful. For instance, Somalia and preventing genocides in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
■ Veto Power - The United Nations Security Council consists of fifteen nations, five of which are permanent: France, Russia, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The five permanent members enjoy the luxury of veto power (when a permanent member vetoes a vote, the Council resolution cannot be adopted).
■ Nuclear Proliferation - At the creation of the UN in 1945, the United States was the only nation in the world to own and test nuclear weapons. In 1970, the nuclear non-proliferation treaty was signed by 190 nations, including five nations that admitted to owning nuclear weapons: France, England, Russia, China, and the US. Despite this treaty, nuclear stockpiles remain high, and numerous nations continue to develop these devastating weapons.
■ Failure to intervene in internal conflicts - While not specifically the mandate of the United Nations, the UN has intervened in a variety of international disputes within nations, but not always. For example, the civil wars within Sudan (Darfur) and Sri Lanka were ignored by the UN leading to the brutalization and death of thousands of civilians.
14.3 Growing Global Cooperation
The nature of
differences in
values and
ideologies
globally
makes the
work of the
UN that much
more difficult.
Should we
focus more
on its
successes or
its failures?