Internationalism in Literature & Literary Theory

Internationalism: Etymology/Term, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “internationalism” emerged in the late 19th century, combining “international,” meaning between or among nations, and the suffix “-ism,” indicating a belief system or ideology. It reflects the idea of fostering cooperation and mutual understanding among countries on a global scale.

Meanings:

1. Political Internationalism: In politics, internationalism advocates for close cooperation and diplomacy between nations to address common challenges and promote peace.
2. Cultural Internationalism: In cultural contexts, it emphasizes the exchange and appreciation of diverse ideas, arts, and traditions across borders.
3. Economic Internationalism: Economically, it supports global trade, open markets, and economic interdependence among nations.
4. Humanitarian Internationalism: Focuses on addressing global issues like poverty, human rights abuses, and environmental challenges through collective international efforts.
5. Social Internationalism: In social terms, it calls for solidarity among people worldwide, transcending national boundaries, to advance common interests and values.

Concept:

Internationalism is a broad concept that underscores the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of collaboration to address global issues. It rejects isolationism and promotes the idea that challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and conflict require collective action on a global scale. The concept encourages a sense of shared responsibility and interconnected destinies among nations, transcending narrow national interests for the greater benefit of humanity.

Internationalism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Internationalism is a broad concept that underscores the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of collaboration to address global issues. It rejects isolationism and promotes the idea that challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and conflict require collective action on a global scale. The concept encourages a sense of shared responsibility and interconnected destinies among nations, transcending narrow national interests for the greater benefit of humanity.

Internationalism: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorists:

• Immanuel Kant: The 18th-century philosopher proposed the idea of a “league of nations” to ensure perpetual peace and cooperative international relations.
• Woodrow Wilson: The U.S. President played a pivotal role in the establishment of the League of Nations after World War I, envisioning it as a mechanism for global cooperation.

Works:

• “Perpetual Peace” by Immanuel Kant (1795): Kant’s essay outlines his vision for a world order based on democratic governance, international law, and the abolition of standing armies.
• “Fourteen Points” by Woodrow Wilson (1918): Wilson’s post-World War I speech laid out principles for lasting peace, including the establishment of the League of Nations.

Argument:

• Promotion of Global Cooperation: Internationalism argues that global challenges necessitate collaborative solutions, advocating for the pooling of resources and efforts on an international scale.
• Prevention of Conflict: Theorists assert that by fostering diplomacy, dialogue, and shared institutions, internationalism can mitigate the likelihood of conflicts between nations.
• Advancement of Human Welfare: Internationalism contends that a global community working together can address issues like poverty, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation, ultimately promoting the well-being of humanity as a whole.

Internationalism: Major Characteristics

Major Characteristics of Internationalism	References in Literary Works
Emphasis on Global Cooperation and Unity	– Les Misérables by Victor Hugo: The novel portrays characters from various nations coming together during the June Rebellion, reflecting a call for international solidarity.
Rejection of Nationalistic Isolationism	– All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque: The novel critiques the destructive nature of nationalism and war, advocating for a more internationalist perspective.
Advocacy for Peaceful Diplomacy	– War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: The epic novel explores the consequences of war and the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts between nations.
Recognition of Interconnected Global Issues	– The Constant Gardener by John le Carré: The novel delves into international pharmaceutical practices, shedding light on global issues such as corporate exploitation and the interconnectedness of health concerns.
Promotion of Cultural Exchange	– The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: Through interwoven stories of Chinese-American families, the novel emphasizes the blending of cultures and the richness that emerges from cross-cultural interactions.
Vision for a Common Human Destiny	– Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: The dystopian novel explores a future society where national boundaries have dissolved, envisioning a world where humanity shares a common destiny.

Internationalism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Internationalism
Postcolonialism	Internationalism is relevant in postcolonial literary theory, exploring the impact of colonial histories and advocating for a global understanding of diverse cultures.
Globalization Theory	In the context of globalization theory, internationalism is crucial for analyzing how literature reflects and responds to the interconnected nature of the contemporary world.
World Literature Studies	Internationalism plays a central role in world literature studies, focusing on works that transcend national boundaries and contribute to a shared global literary canon.
Cosmopolitanism	Cosmopolitan literary theories emphasize the importance of international perspectives, celebrating diverse voices and fostering a sense of shared humanity in literature.
Transnationalism	Internationalism aligns with transnational literary theories, examining texts that move beyond national borders, addressing diasporic experiences and cultural hybridity.
Eco-criticism (Global Ecocriticism)	In global ecocriticism, internationalism is pertinent for exploring literature’s role in addressing and responding to global environmental challenges on a cross-cultural scale.

Internationalism: Application in Critiques

1. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe:
   • Internationalism Critique: This novel, set in pre-colonial Nigeria, can be critiqued through an internationalist lens by exploring the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures. Achebe’s work prompts reflection on the global implications of imperialism and the clash of civilizations.
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez:
   • Internationalism Critique: Marquez’s masterpiece can be critiqued through internationalism by examining its portrayal of the Buendía family over generations and how their experiences reflect broader historical and political shifts in Latin America. The novel invites readers to consider the interconnectedness of regional histories and global influences.
3. The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid:
   • Internationalism Critique: This novel can be critiqued through an internationalist perspective by analyzing its portrayal of a Pakistani protagonist navigating the post-9/11 world. The narrative prompts discussions on the impact of global events on individual lives and the interconnected nature of cultures and geopolitics.
4. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy:
   • Internationalism Critique: Roy’s novel can be critiqued through internationalism by exploring the repercussions of social and political issues in post-colonial India. The narrative invites readers to consider how local events are intertwined with global forces, emphasizing the relevance of international perspectives in understanding the characters’ struggles.

Internationalism: Relevant Terms

Similar Terms	Short Definitions
1. Globalism	Emphasizes global interconnectedness.
2. Cosmopolitanism	Fosters shared humanity across cultures.
3. Transnationalism	Explores interactions beyond national borders.
4. World Literature	Literary works transcending national boundaries.
5. Postcolonialism	Examines legacies of colonialism in cultural productions.
6. Interconnectedness	Global relationships and dependencies.
7. Cross-Cultural Perspectives	Incorporates diverse cultural viewpoints.
8. Global Citizenship	Individual responsibilities beyond national borders.
9. Multinational Narratives	Narratives spanning multiple nations.
10. Intercontinental Dynamics	Examines global interactions between continents.

Internationalism: Suggested Readings

1. Arendt, Hannah. The Origins of Totalitarianism. Harcourt Brace, 1951.
2. Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 1963.
3. Friedman, Thomas L. The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005.
4. Nussbaum, Martha C. Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions. Cambridge University Press, 2001.
5. Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Vintage Books, 1979.
6. Sen, Amartya. Development as Freedom. Anchor Books, 1999.
7. Smith, Adam. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776.
8. Wallerstein, Immanuel. World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction. Duke University Press, 2004.