Focuses on the problem of the U.S. president receiving gifts from foreign dignitaries. The reproducible letter from President Lincoln to King Rama IV of Siam in which he accepts two gifts and graciously declines proffered elephants serves as center for discussion of the problem. Suggestions for teaching and a crossword puzzle are included. (KC)

Presents contemporary view of Germany since reunification and the end of the Cold War. Includes 13 photographs portraying scenes from daily life in Germany. (CFR)

At the first independent meeting of the National Council for the Social Studies in 1935, Henry Johnson of Teachers College, Columbia University, delivered a speech entitled "The Place of History in Education for International Peace." What Henry Johnson said and the value of his ideas for today's teachers are discussed. (RM)

Disagrees with the tone and conclusions of the special section on United States-Japan relations in the November-December, 1991 issue. Contends that the national interests of the United States were ignored to avoid "Japan Bashing" over trade and other economic issues. Calls for a more realistic view of Japan's trade policies toward the…

Reviews progress toward economic integration and monetary union within the European Economic Community. Maintains that Germany has the greatest influence on the system because of its strong currency and monetary policies. Concludes that a "two-speed" course toward economic union may be the only practical path. (CFR)

Describes changes in educators' attitudes toward energy education and conservation. Suggests that students must understand how energy is supplied and consumed to understand the contemporary world. Recommends that educators identify links to energy issues in the existing curriculum and design activities around them. (DK)

Presents a sampling of items from the ERIC database on the interactions between Japan and the United States. Includes items on diplomatic and intercultural relations, historical trends, technology, and business competition. Offers information on using the database and obtaining materials. (DK)

Describes the efforts of educators throughout the world to teach about the United Nations. Each of the different world regions focuses on specific UN principles and work related to their own national priorities. Examples are from the Caribbean Islands, Eastern Europe, France, the Philippines, Africa, and the Nordic Countries. (KO)

Describes the evolution of one teacher's efforts to incorporate valuable information concerning Southeast Asia into the history classroom. Discusses the "Understanding the United Nations, Parallel Histories: United States and Vietnam and International Development in a Global Context" curriculum which was the culmination of this teacher's…

Presents a historical review of German relations with European nations from the end of World War II until 1992. Claims that Chancellor Willy Brandt's efforts to improve East-West relations set the stage for German reunification. Contends that Germany's role in a united Europe has yet to be determined. (CFR)

U.S.-Canadian and Mexican water-related issues testify to the role that natural resources/ environmental issues play in foreign policy and demonstrate how environmental problems can affect the public and private sectors of a nation internally. How people affect the environment is an irreducible bottom line for stable international trade and market…

Reviews the impact of German unification on German society, politics, and culture. Contends that four decades of separation created political and cultural differences that are difficult to overcome. Expresses concern about the growth of intolerant attitudes and nationalism among citizens of the former East Germany. (CFR)

Contends that political instability in Europe and the rise and fall of European nations has occurred regularly throughout history. Reviews European geopolitical events and trends from 1815 to the present. Maintains that the rise of a strong Central Europe with German leadership will determine the future of the European Community. (CFR)

In this learning activity, secondary and college students analyze case studies regarding diplomatic privileges and immunities. They evaluate the testimony, criticize or support the outcome of each case, and recommend changes in international laws. The teacher then provides a status report on current diplomatic law. (RM)

Explains that economics is the science of choice based on the limited resources of the world, and that teaching about how the world's people make those choices creates better global understanding. Advocates teaching economics with an international perspective because most national economies are no longer self-contained but internationally…