In this article, I argue that critical junctures -- defined as sudden turning points in the historic trajectory of countries, institutions, and other units of analysis -- provide a propitious lens to teach the war in Ukraine. By analyzing the influence of this war on energy security in Europe and the world, its impact on public opinion on NATO…

Articles published in the Quarterly are reviewed. David Y. Thomas's Mexican Legislation in the Light of Internation Law" (Sept. 1928) is reprinted as one excellent example. (In the 1920's, emphasis was on diplomatic history and international law rather than political science.) A biographical sketch is included. (SE)

Designed for first year graduate students in political science, international relations, and law, this course focuses on the contemporary concern with human rights in its international political context. The course is intended to be taught in 14 two-hour sessions; it can also be broken down into single-hour sessions. There are four major parts to…

Domestic influences on diplomacy and foreign policy are emphasized. (MB)

Examines new aspects of the post-Cold War international situation that need to be reflected in the K-12 curriculum: integrating studies of cooperation as well as conflict; emphasizing the importance of economic issues; and noting the changed role of international organization, the increased concern with democracy, and changing concepts of…

Scholarship on Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union has been influenced by the cold-war model of persistent competition between two monolithic superpowers. With Eastern Europe in disarray, that model cannot hold up much longer. Marxist theory is now questioned. (MLW)

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)

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)

During the 1970s, efforts to teach and research the social science and humanities aspects of the space program were reintensified. A 1978 survey of faculty suggested the need for a single volume that united introductory material on the various social science disciplines and the classroom experience of faculty already teaching in the field. This…

Focusing on James K. Polk's handling of the diplomatic crisis with Mexico, which followed his accession to office, and on the results of the Mexican War, this unit asks the student to evaluate Polk's actions. In the evaluation, the student must assess the responsibilities of presidential leadership and confront the implications of power in…

Intended for college-preparatory students at the high school level, this unit investigates the changing tides in U.S.-Soviet diplomatic relations and the reasons for the change. The focus of the unit is on a series of particular episodes such as the questions of famine relief in the 1920's, diplomatic recognition in the 1930's, World War II, the…