In this article, the authors begin by describing a classroom activity from part of the Diplomacy Challenge unit in their Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Advanced Placement (AP) World History Curriculum when students discover and analyze the history of the Early Modern Era (1450-1750). In this article, they explain how they have adopted PBL, its…

On May 1, 2011, a group of U.S. soldiers boarded helicopters at a base in Afghanistan, hoping to find a man named Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda terrorist network, was responsible for a number of terrorist attacks around the world, including those of September 11, 2001, that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.…

A unit on China's ethnicities provides students rich opportunities to explore multiple themes in the social studies while helping them to develop a deeper understanding of recent events in western China. Studying China's ethnic minorities encompasses such topics as stereotyping, cultural diversity, the creation of ethnic identities, and key…

An attack by Japanese naval aircraft on the USS "Panay" in 1937, which the Japanese government declared accidental and for which it paid compensation, caused a crisis in U.S.-Japanese relations. A little-known dimension of the incident was the expression of spontaneous sympathy and apologies by Japanese citizens to the U.S. embassy in…

Because of the importance of diplomacy, it is a valuable subject for the social studies classroom. In a crowded curriculum, however, the art of international diplomacy can easily get less attention than it deserves. One way of teaching it is to focus on the diplomacy associated with a major event that is part of the typical history curriculum. The…

Describes two recent international incidents which tell a great deal about the Japanese "world view." The incidents regard the content of a new Japanese history textbook (protested by South Korea), and alleged racist remarks of Prime Minister Nakasone. Claims the two are related and provide lessons for our own version of history and conduct. (JDH)

Asserts that the world has entered a period of transition and turmoil. Discusses achievements of the United Nations and three realities: (1) the comprehensive nature of the global challenge; (2) the indispensability of the United Nations in the new international context; and (3) the gap between the demands on the Organization and its resources.…

Describes the history and role of nongovernmental organizations within the United Nations structure. Discusses how the United Nations Economic and Social Council has recognized more than 1,000 organizations as consultants in its work to improve economic and social conditions throughout the world. (CFR)

Analyzes social and economic challenges facing the Caribbean region. Examines colonialism's legacy, factors contributing to emigration, and social stratification. Emphasizes difficulties in self-determination created historically by externally introduced ideas, continuing U.S. hegemony, and cultural, racial, and ethnic differences. Provides maps…

Asserts that the end of the Cold War and new world realities present challenges to social studies teachers. Presents suggestions for helping students change their way of thinking about the world and the place of the United States within it. Encourages teachers to examine the existing social studies curriculum for relevance. (CFR)

Asserts that the expansion of the United Nations' peacekeeping commitments has strained the organization's ability to intervene in violent local conflicts before they get out of hand. Discusses efforts to create a permanent peacekeeping force early in United Nations history and how such a force might operate. (CFR)

Presents two interviews with soldiers assigned to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. Outlines nine steps in any UN peacekeeping operation. Includes 13 quotes gathered from soldiers and UN officials involved in peacekeeping in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. (CFR)

Presents a set of four maps illustrating changing German political borders. Includes the time period from 1933, when Hitler came to power, until the division of Germany in 1945. Includes a map showing the Allied Powers against Germany, nations allied with Germany, and neutral nations. (CFR)

Maintains that, over the past 50 years, the United States has had an unusually close and tumultuous relationship with the United Nations. Provides an historical review of world events since the beginning of the United Nations and describes the U.S. role in the organization. (CFR)

In the interest of preventing or intervening in genocidal acts, proposes a World Genocide Early Warning System Foundation that would develop a research databank for human rights information. Presents 10 early warning processes. Explains why even democratic governments have historically not prevented genocide, and cites examples of governmental…