Every year, the world's eight most powerful heads of government gather to tackle international crises and issues. The responsibility for hosting the summit rotates through the G8 in the following order: France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada. This year, it is Canada's turn to host the summit, which will take place this upcoming June in Muskoka, Ontario. Among the issues Steven Harper wishes to address, he has chosen to focus on maternal and infant mortality in the developing world. Although an important issue, it is needless to say that Steven Harper's choice of focus has shocked many in the international community. Harper has defended his choice by stating, "It is therefore time to mobilize our friends and partners to do something for those who can do little for themselves, to replace grand good intentions with substantive acts of human good will." Yet, before blindly being convinced that Steven Harper is truly acting out of "substantive human good will", one must be skeptical and approach this issue from a realist point of view and determine what Harper may potentially benefit from this announcement.
To help see clearly from a realist point of view, historians such as Hobbes and Machiavelli can be assessed. Hobbes believed that humans are solely self interested and that, “there is no such finis ultimus, utmost aim nor summum bxonum, greatest good". Similarly, Machiavelli believed in appearing of good nature to the people you rule, only to hide true intentions and plans behind closed doors
This may very well be the case with Canada's Prime Minister, Steven Harper.
To unveil Steven Harper's angle on this issue, we must place ourselves in his position and ask, "what could Steven Harper possibly gain by showing ultimate support for maternal and infant mortality in developing countries?"
For one, such a humanitarian act of recognizing such a neglected issue has gained support and respect from many in the international community. The issue of maternal and infant mortality throughout the developing world really is an issue in need of urgent attention. Each year, it is estimated that 500,000 women lose their lives during pregnancy or childbirth. Further, an astonishing 9 million children die before their fifth birthday. Such statistics demonstrate the severity of this situation and its desperate outcry for help. Yet, living in the world we do today, hearing such disturbing statistics are not uncommon. There are many crises happening around the world every day and they are all supported by frightening facts. Why choose the maternal crisis over world hunger and poverty which accounts for half of the world (over 3 billion people) living on less than $2.50 a day, resulting in the deaths of 24 000 children daily. Or perhaps the crisis of HIV/AIDS which 40 million people are living with, leaving 14 million AIDS orphans in Africa and has amounted to 25 million deaths since 1981. Or better yet, the environmental disaster our earth is dealing with which relates to water shortage leaving 1.1 billion people in developing countries inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation. An overwhelming presentation of statistics? Yes, perhaps. Yet the point being, with so many problems and disasters in the world, what is the true reasoning behind Steven Harper's choice of crisis?
One thing is apparent, Steven Harper has not had the best Prime Minister run in Canadian history. Already heading a minority government, Steven Harper is in dire need of gaining the support and respect of his country before the next federal election. More importantly, showing support and seeking help for the maternal and infant crisis will help him gain many votes, especially in the female population.
Another strategic tactic of his is the re introduction of the crisis that has not yet been resolved.Instead of introducing new issues, Harper has concentrated on fulfilling past commitments. He wants to honor the promise the United Nations made in 2000. Yet if this is true, then why not follow on the Kyoto treaty? It has been said and confirmed that solving the maternal and infant death crisis does not require outrageous funds and is fairly simple. Compare this to higher-profile issues such as AIDS or malaria, and Harper has found a way to act out of human good will without paying much of a price. In addition, Harper hopes to build his reputation on the international stage. By committing to past promises, Steven Harper is building his credibility both domestically and internationally, and this tactic of his already seems to be working. Upon his announcement, famous world figures such as Bill Clinton and Bill Gates have praised and recognized Harper's generosity.
Of course, when June comes around maternal and infant mortality will not be the sole issue that will be discussed at the G8 Summit. The Prime Minister admits on http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=3093, that other business will also be discussed such as security, nuclear proliferation and the environment. It can be debated whether the maternal and infant crisis is a mere distraction to gain support and put the population at peace about what the top 8 powerful governments will really be discussing. After all, this is not an occasion for the eight most powerful nations to sit around, drink tea, and discuss soft politics. Not being present in Steven Harper's office, it is hard to conclude his true intentions and reasoning. Yet, approaching this situation from a realist point of view demonstrates that Harper truly is a calculative man with more on the agenda that meets the eye.
*Statistics used in this blog were referenced from http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats.
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