In my opinion, Stephen Harper has gone to Switzerland to meet with the leaders of the eight wealthiest democracies in the world in order to provide aid to the worlds most vulnerable. Not for the sake of Canada and/ or himself.
Although some political theories have proven that “states are unitary and rational actors, concerned primarily with their own survival in an anarchic world” I believe that Harper truly wants to help those in need.
Normally the G8 discusses the economy. However, Harper has decided to discuss humanitarian aid including the protection of mothers and children.
Some argue that based on Canada’s economy we should not even be a part of the G8. However, they are not taking into account that Canada has many other recourses other than economy; Canada is a nation with one of the largest reserves, one of the largest nuclear energy productions, and is one of the largest donors to the UN budget for 2009. Also, economy is obviously not the only factor in determining the nations of the G8. China and India have the second and fourth largest economies and they are not included in the G8, and Italy has the tenth largest economy, yet they are included in the G8. France and the United Kingdom have even expressed their desire of expanding the group to include five developing nations. (I am sure that they do not have the highest economies) So, why should Canada be penalized for not having one of the largest economies? When we have many other valuable resources, and other nations are in the same situation as us.
Thomas Hobbes has stated that no one does anything for anyone unless they get something out of it. And Machiavelli believes that it is better to be greedy rather than generous, nasty rather than likable, and dishonest rather than honest. However, in my opinion just because these philosophers have a poor outlook on the characteristics of individuals and obviously in life too doesn’t mean that every politician does too.
I am sure that Harper will be praised, will do well in previous elections, and will even gain allies from his goodness. However, these added bonuses are not his main motive for helping those in need. If the Canadian people have the resources, motive, and ability to help those in need then why wouldn’t they? And why wouldn’t Harper try to organize that help?
Although some political theories have proven that “states are unitary and rational actors, concerned primarily with their own survival in an anarchic world” I believe that Harper truly wants to help those in need.
Normally the G8 discusses the economy. However, Harper has decided to discuss humanitarian aid including the protection of mothers and children.
Some argue that based on Canada’s economy we should not even be a part of the G8. However, they are not taking into account that Canada has many other recourses other than economy; Canada is a nation with one of the largest reserves, one of the largest nuclear energy productions, and is one of the largest donors to the UN budget for 2009. Also, economy is obviously not the only factor in determining the nations of the G8. China and India have the second and fourth largest economies and they are not included in the G8, and Italy has the tenth largest economy, yet they are included in the G8. France and the United Kingdom have even expressed their desire of expanding the group to include five developing nations. (I am sure that they do not have the highest economies) So, why should Canada be penalized for not having one of the largest economies? When we have many other valuable resources, and other nations are in the same situation as us.
Thomas Hobbes has stated that no one does anything for anyone unless they get something out of it. And Machiavelli believes that it is better to be greedy rather than generous, nasty rather than likable, and dishonest rather than honest. However, in my opinion just because these philosophers have a poor outlook on the characteristics of individuals and obviously in life too doesn’t mean that every politician does too.
I am sure that Harper will be praised, will do well in previous elections, and will even gain allies from his goodness. However, these added bonuses are not his main motive for helping those in need. If the Canadian people have the resources, motive, and ability to help those in need then why wouldn’t they? And why wouldn’t Harper try to organize that help?
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