Reviews changes that have occurred in the study of international relations during the past 10 to 15 years. Among the eight major changes noted are: an increasing amount of research, issues of deterrence and arms control are more prevalent, Third World development and modernization are less prevalent, and research involves more systematic empirical…

Presents a wide spectrum of views by scholars of Soviet Affairs regarding recent American policy and predictions for the future course of international relations between the two super powers. Experts are Adam B. Ulam (Harvard University), Robert F. Byrnes (Indiana University), Stephen F. Cohen (Princeton University), Alexander Yanov (University of…

Describes three trends that are thought to be important in shaping the Pacific Rim and discusses the significance of each. The first is the continuing economic and military influence of the United States in the region; the second is the increasingly dynamic Japanese expansion; and the third trend is the diffusion of Chinese people throughout the…

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)

Discusses Australia's growth since European settlement and its development into a major world trader in industrial and high technology raw materials. Examines the country's expanding relations with New Zealand and other Pacific states which is the outgrowth of the realization that all will gain from greater international cooperation. (GEA)

Contends that the growing political and emotional split between the United States and Japan, the Pacific's two most powerful nations, may sever the unity of the Pacific Rim. Presents statistics, such as literacy and population growth rates, as well as economic data for thirteen Pacific Rim nations. (GEA)

Discusses the three Pacific cultural areas of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia and identifies the differences within and between the groups. States that a regionwide sense of identity has emerged because these small nations have gained independence from colonizing countries and joined regional institutions such as the South Pacific Forum. (GEA)

Describes Canada's status as a "middle power" in world affairs and discusses the country's increasingly active role as a superpower mediator and participant in world economic summits and international organizations. Examines Canada's involvement in the emergent Asia Pacific region and predicts a new role for Canada in international…

Presents the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) presidential address to the annual meeting in Dallas on November 15, 1987. Examines the future direction of NCSS and discusses global interdependence as a challenge that must be given more emphasis in the social studies curriculum of the United States. (GEA)

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)

States that international trade is a prime factor linking the Pacific Rim nations. Discusses the differences in each nation's productive factors (land, labor, capital) and examines the emerging technological competition. Concludes that if U.S. firms cannot meet the challenge of foreign competition, then protectionism might limit further economic…

Introduces the articles in this issue, and reports five critical needs required to strengthen global studies in our schools. The needs are: (1) adoption of state and local policies; (2) encouragement of local curriculum development; (3) better teacher training; (4) bringing global studies into the educational mainstream; and (5) establishment of…

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)