As part of an effort by the project group "Preparedness for Peace", this publication presents a conversation with Dr. Valentina Mitina of the Research Institute of General Pedagogy, USSR Academy of Pedagogical Sciences. Dr. Mitina, a senior researcher specializing in comparative education, is also an activist in nongovernmental…

Discusses the historical and contemporary relationships between global competition and education. Compares similarities between educational initiatives following the launch of Sputnik and those of the Goals 2000 program. Provides examples to encourage students to think about the new world order in social studies classrooms. (CFR)

Maintains that the "tried and true" strategies for teaching about the early Cold War years highlight the U.S. response to Soviet expansionism. Identifies four other focus themes: (1) debates over mass culture and youth culture; (2) gender and sexuality; (3) the civil rights era; and (4) rethinking the cold war itself. (CFR)