Briefly reviews conventional reasoning about the start of the Cold War. Describes contemporary revisionist views of the Cold War and the reasons they arose. Maintains that American leaders exaggerated the Soviet ideological and military threat, spurring an American arms build-up which ultimately led to the present-day arms race. (JDH)

Shows how the photographs, valedictorian addresses, nicknames, cartoons and other material contained in high school yearbook can yield information regarding the world views of Americans at the start of the Cold War. (JDH)

This study traces Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot students' perceptions of the Cyprus conflict. The data comes from a 1993 Harvard workshop which included 11 Turkish Cypriot and 38 Greek Cypriot students. The workshop was a collaboration of Harvard's Conflict Management Group, AMIDEAST, and US AID. The objective of the workshop was to teach…

The nuclear era has produced a horrifying possibility never before existent in human history: the world humanity and civilizations can be destroyed. It is incumbent upon the peoples of the world, and especially those of the United States and Soviet Union, to grasp the enormous and profound consequences of nuclear warfare. The emergence of Mikhail…

This booklet outlines the aims and activities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and describes the structure of the organization. It is presented in five sections. Section one presents the text of the treaty, which was ratified in 1949. Section two briefly analyzes the most significant articles in the treaty. In general, the treaty…

These materials explore the decisions that face the United States as a result of the changes in the past decade in the countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The background readings allow students to examine such questions of values and foreign policy as: (1) Should the United States remain committed to its Western European…

Asserts that the Nobel Peace Prize provides a gateway for teaching the critical issue of peace in history courses. Presents an overview of the origin, development, and history of the Nobel Peace Prize, with special focus on U.S. winners. Includes six suggested student projects and a list of U.S. Nobel Peace Prize winners. (CFR)

This manual builds on the UNA-USA/Gainsville work to help volunteers prepare to "teach peace" during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, and to provide educational resources for UN50. The document includes: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Preparing for the Training"; (3) "Workshop 1: Preparing the…

International treaties have played a central role in diplomatic history since the rise of the modern nation state. Since the end of World War II, more treaties have been formed than in the preceding four centuries. The year 2001 marks the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. This unit provides students with historical knowledge of…

Contends that the United Nations (UN) is redefining its role in the international community. Discusses whether the UN should follow a national sovereignty path or one that recognizes the erosion of the national state. Concludes that humanitarian intervention guided by practical idealism is the correct approach. (CFR)

Proceedings from an international symposium devoted to the cause of disarmament education are presented. Representatives from international and national teacher organizations together with scholars and researchers from 35 countries and all continents attended. The symposium focused on the idea that teachers have a special responsibility to work…

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)

This brief issues booklet provides basic information about the role of the Catholic Church in Poland, the erosion of Communist party leadership over the past year (as of 1981), the rise of the Solidarity Union and the economic problems plaguing the Polish people. An introduction is followed by the following sections: (1) "History of a…

This unit is part of a continuing series on current foreign policy issues. The first section asks students to consider Russia's future as if they were Russian. Background readings provide information to help students address policy issues and include: (1) "Lessons from Russia's Past"; and (2) "Exploring the New Russia." Once…