Reviews the history of U.S. foreign aid, and contests popular assumptions about the leading role of the United States in contemporary aid efforts. Provides a detailed breakdown of the U.S. foreign affairs budget to support the argument. Links the argument to suggestions for appropriate U.S. policy in this area. (DSK)

Because of revisions made in the content of history textbooks, Japan has been accused of attempting to rewrite history as part of a larger conspiracy to brainwash students and to rearm the nation. Discussed are the legal authority of the national government to screen and approve textbooks and international reactions. (RM)

Discusses the influence of Japan on educational reform in the United States. Identifies economic self-interest and global competitiveness as the motivations for increased U.S. instruction about Asia and the Pacific region. Expresses concern that such a competitive outlook is unlikely to produce a global perspective. (DK)

Presents survey results from U.S. and Japanese high school and college students on the current state and future of the relationship between their two countries. Identifies major issues and explaining how to improve the relationship. Concludes that the students were most concerned with the development of understanding between the two cultures. (DK)

Changes in the scale of destructive power have fundamentally altered the nature of the threat to the security of nations and so demand a corresponding adjustment in our perceptions of the realm of peace and security affairs. There can be no national security without world security in the real world. (RM)

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.…

Presents three brief articles recalling US teachers' experiences conducting civic education workshops in Bosnia. Pat Feichter writes "Would I Return? In a Heartbeat." Gail Huschle examines "Beauty in the Midst of Devastation." Mary Bristol considers "Making Connections between Cultures." (MJP)

Presents a history lesson based on the deed of presentation for the Statue of Liberty. Discusses the conception and history of the statue and its presentation to the United States as a gift from the people of France. Includes a copy of the document, topics for class discussion, and research, writing, and design activities. (DK)

Reports on the importance of cultural diversity and global interdependence as a foundation for a new civic culture. Argues that social studies educators must resist efforts to fragment the field and instead support the concept of an integrated social studies curriculum. (CFR)

Highlights the Cable News Network's (CNN) documentary series "The Cold War." Interviews executive producer Jeremy Issacs and producer Martin Smith about the series and its usefulness for educators. Includes a broadcast schedule for the 24 episodes. Notes that the series is endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies. (DSK)

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…

Considers ways to make the complex subjects of conflict and conflict resolution meaningful and manageable in the classroom. Recommends rigorous planning, clear definitions, and classifications of the different kinds of conflict. Includes a problem-solving lesson, list of lesson ideas, and teaching approaches. (MJP)

Summarizes a wealth of statistical information concerning the economic development and debt for a number of developing nations. Includes statistics on the gross national product growth of Cote d'lvoire, Guatemala, Malaysia, Korea, Colombia, and Nigeria, as well as, the gross domestic product growth and debt service for Latin America, Africa, and…

Discusses contact between the United States and Japan. Comments that the history of the relationship is a long one that becomes increasingly interdependent. Describes the relationship as characterized by a disparity of power and interest now shifting toward Japan. Emphasizes that changes in the relationship have always depended on the world…