After World War II ended in 1945, the United States and the Soviet Union (USSR) emerged as the two dominant countries in the post-war world. An arms race began, and this constant pursuit for respect and supremacy was called the Cold War. On October 4, 1957, the USSR launched the world's first intercontinental ballistic missile, with the first…

This issue focuses on how U.S. trade policies must recognize the interdependent nature of trade partnerships. Economic concepts related to world trade are explained. The booklet contends that the United States cannot have a comparative advantage in producing all goods and that by offering consumers low-priced imports from overseas the United…

The teacher's guide and student text are designed to help students understand why nations compete, why they cooperate, and why they sometimes go to war. The guide will help teachers develop comprehensive lesson plans that help students: (1) understand the behavior of nations by defining national interest and examining the factors that affect the…

In the belief that questions about peace, justice, freedom, and security are vital to civic education, the United States Institute of Peace established the National Peace Essay Contest, which is designed to promote discussion of international peace and conflict resolution, complement existing curricula, and strengthen students' research, writing,…

In the post-Cold War era, framing U.S. foreign policy discussions is a real challenge. This curriculum unit considers whether international democracy promotion has become the defining objective of U.S. foreign policy and investigates the appropriate role for the United States to play in this period. Students are asked to define U.S. national…

The lessons in this 3-part series are intended to provide students with a basic understanding of the relationship between the United States and Mexico, with emphasis on multiple perspectives, conflict and cooperation, and interdependence. This curriculum unit, Part 2, examines three contemporary issues: immigration, the North American Free Trade…

This instructional guide is intended to be used with the six-part videotape "Russia and the Other Former Soviet Republics in Transition." The guide comprises essays that provide critical background information needed to understand the issues and events under discussion, which are the new countries that have grown out of the former Soviet…

Futurism and World Order Models can be studied through simulation techniques which involve an inquiry into the ways and means of achieving basic values. The authors list ten simulation games suitable for this study and suggest debriefing questions. (VW)

Summarizes results of a cooperative international analysis of social studies texts by the United States/Japan Study Group. The project found books from each country tended to justify their own country's actions while consistently oversimplifying conditions in the other. Teaching strategies to counteract textbook biases are included. (AM)

An interview with former hostage William Keough reveals his perceptions of the political crisis and power structure in Iran, global education, and American schools. (WD)

Discusses the usefulness of the United Nations. Contends that there is no international political body that can cause sovereign states to follow rules they do not accept. Notes that the United Nations has not yet been able to prevent or end a war. Suggests that many UN members resent U.S. power and influence. (KO)

Addresses the teaching of social studies in a changing world. Suggests that the Pacific Rim can be a focus area for teaching in a global context. Describes two curriculum models using either individual countries or aspects of life as the basis of organization to give learning a structure. (DK)

Presents a sampling of items from the ERIC database on the interactions between Japan and the United States. Includes items on diplomatic and intercultural relations, historical trends, technology, and business competition. Offers information on using the database and obtaining materials. (DK)

Offers a sampling of available ERIC documents and journal articles dealing with teaching world history in high school. Provides bibliographic information and a short description of each piece. (DK)

Explains the ramifications of connections between Michigan and Ontario, Canada over time. Focuses on six themes: (1) the Indian earth; (2) the arrival of Europeans; (3) the creation of the political boundary; (4) the problems of the nineteenth century; (5) the significance of the automobile; and (6) the current situation. (DB)