Describes six distinct periods of development in China's recent history in terms of their differences in international developments, agriculture, industry, and education and culture. (JDH)

The primary source document reproduced here consists of the first two pages of a briefing notebook prepared for President Eisenhower outlining the issues to be raised with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev during his visit to the United States in 1959. Teaching activities are suggested. (RM)

This document, a curriculum guide, grew out of a symposium on the role of secrecy in U.S. foreign policy. The curriculum examines ways in which citizens get information about the government and how government secrecy influences that information. Students analyze covert U.S. involvement in such places as Iran, Guatemala, and Cuba, and consider the…

In October 2002 North Korea admitted that it had been operating a secret nuclear weapons program in violation of international treaties and the 1994 Agreed Framework with the United States. North Korea also appeared to be taking steps to begin production of nuclear weapons and, according to U.S. officials, may have a missile that can hit…

Since the end of the Cold War, and more recently since September 11, 2001, relations between the United States and Russia have reached new levels of cooperation and accommodation. At the same time, many important developments in Russia remain cloaked by government intrigue or obscured by the complexity of Russia's political and cultural past. This…

Describes a college course which uses a national approach to the teaching of international politics. Students are grouped into "country teams." Each country team publishes an analysis of its nation's foreign policy. Country teams participate in other activities including press conference simulations and an inter-nation simulation. (RM)

Reviews the history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and describes the debate over expanding its membership. Includes a discussion of the process for adding NATO members and a copy of the treaty. Suggests several exercises to help students better understand the NATO-expansion debate. (DSK)

The United States fulfilled its desire to be the country that reopened trade with Japan through the Kanagawa Treaty (1854). Japan reluctantly rejoined the world community at a time when their culture and economy were in disorder. While grappling with the changes within their borders they tried to keep the ways of the "barbarians" from…

Clearly, the United States cannot respond to every crisis, but what is meant precisely by the phrase "American interests"? How is the U.S. national interest defined and by whom? Does its definition affect the decision of how to respond to a crisis? This lesson deals with these complex and intertwined questions. By defining the national interest…

Since the end of the Cold War, international relations has radically changed. The collapse of the Soviet Union took with it the East-West conflict that dominated world affairs for more than four decades. In its place, the North-South division has emerged as an important framework for reconceptualizing international relations. How the United States…

Designed to help teachers discuss and explore with students the many aspects of peace and security in a rapidly changing world, this teaching manual examines the issues from many different points of view. Students are encouraged to examine the issues, collect information, and present their own views and opinions based on the facts. The book…

Although the attacks of September 11, 2001, present new challenges and priorities for U.S. policy, it is uncertain what direction international relations will take. China's growth and power, Russia's political and economic problems, resentment and corruption in Russia, and global warming effect policymaking. While the war on terrorism may be a…

This 4-day curriculum unit explores U.S. foreign policy between 1787 and 1812. During this time the United States faced a series of foreign policy challenges that threatened its survival as an independent, constitutional republic. Between 1793 and 1815, a nearly continuous series of wars pitting the French against the British engulfed the European…

Describes ways to teach about the role of geography on politics in high school social studies. Students study the influence of waterways and other topographical features on politics. The influence of geopolitical theory on American and Soviet foreign policies is examined. (AM)

Presents passages from the memoirs of Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev which reveal their recollections regarding the famous "Kitchen Debate." Provides activity suggestions which help students analyze the contrasting points of view presented. (JDH)