This program examines the history of U.S.-Haitian affairs and the events leading up to the recent deployment of U.S. troops to Haiti. This program provides essential background to those interested in the current and future situation in Haiti as it struggles with democracy-building. The study guide offers questions to use before viewing the video,…

The nuclear debate is one of critical importance and should be explored as part of the school curriculum. The psychology of denying the issue of nuclear arms and the psychological effects of the arms race on children is examined in this paper. A number of topics that might be included in discussion of nuclear issues are the arms race, politics,…

Argues that American students need special lessons in international politics, pointing to specific concepts and ideas they should be familiar with in the areas of national politics and international relations, political ends and means, the relationship between principles and circumstances, and the pursuit of peace. (DMM)

At the first independent meeting of the National Council for the Social Studies in 1935, Henry Johnson of Teachers College, Columbia University, delivered a speech entitled "The Place of History in Education for International Peace." What Henry Johnson said and the value of his ideas for today's teachers are discussed. (RM)

The United States fulfilled its desire to be the country that reopened trade with Japan through the Kanagawa Treaty (1854). Japan reluctantly rejoined the world community at a time when their culture and economy were in disorder. While grappling with the changes within their borders they tried to keep the ways of the "barbarians" from…

Clearly, the United States cannot respond to every crisis, but what is meant precisely by the phrase "American interests"? How is the U.S. national interest defined and by whom? Does its definition affect the decision of how to respond to a crisis? This lesson deals with these complex and intertwined questions. By defining the national interest…

This guide is designed for persons who need to plan education programs in world affairs for presentation to an organization. Such a person might be a program chair of a local League of Women Voters or a community Rotary Club. The guide is organized in five sections, each of which presents information on one of five steps to program planning. The…

Designed to help teachers discuss and explore with students the many aspects of peace and security in a rapidly changing world, this teaching manual examines the issues from many different points of view. Students are encouraged to examine the issues, collect information, and present their own views and opinions based on the facts. The book…

One in a series of booklets whose purpose is to stimulate greater interest in and more effective understanding of world affairs among American citizens, this six-chapter booklet traces the development toward improved relations between China and the United States. The chapters include: "Toward a New Consensus: 1978-1986"; "Strategic…

The work of the United Nations is described in summary form. Material is divided into sections on the origin, programs, purpose, principles, and structure of the United Nations; the United Nations at work for International Peace; the United Nations at Work for Economic and Social Development; The United Nations at Work for Decolonization; the…

Although the attacks of September 11, 2001, present new challenges and priorities for U.S. policy, it is uncertain what direction international relations will take. China's growth and power, Russia's political and economic problems, resentment and corruption in Russia, and global warming effect policymaking. While the war on terrorism may be a…

Intended for teachers, this mini-unit was developed to respond to the immediate, ongoing crisis between the United States and Iraq. The unit should give students at the high school level a context for the news and help them to see the connections between the decisions being made and their significance to broader policy development. It is designed…

This packet of 11 lesson plans is designed to help high school social studies classes examine socio-political issues facing the post-Cold War world. Though its multi-disciplinary approach touches upon a number of current topics, the packet's particular focus is on the wide-ranging impact of war and militarism on the planet's growing ecological…

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…

This unit of study allows students and teachers to step back from the confusing media reports of the day-to-day turmoil in the former Soviet Union (FSU) and to examine it from a more thoughtful vantage point. The unit focuses on the most important instrument of U.S. policy toward the FSU--economic assistance. At the core of the unit are four…