To understand world politics, one must appreciate the context in which international systems develop and operate. Pedagogy studies demonstrate that the more active students are in their learning, the more they learn. As such, using computer simulations can complement and enhance classroom instruction. CIVILIZATION is a computer simulation game…

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)

Historically, the cold war was a watershed that separated two epochs: the time of abnormal, although compelled, partnership of two political systems and the period of peaceful coexistence with barely hidden hostility. The peacefulness of the latter, however elusive and vulnerable it was from time to time, has to be credited to the cold war, a…

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 lesson, one of four stand-alone lessons that examine Australia as an aspect of world history, introduces students to the environment and geography of Australia and the positions that Australia takes on global warming. Students are asked, as mock members of an Australian delegation to an international conference to be held in 2015 in Canberra…

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…

Reports on the Soviet Union's role in the Korean War using the resources of the Soviet-era archives in Russia. Provides historical background about the pre-Korean War era, the start of the war, the Soviet-Chinese relationship, the air and ground battles, and the reasons for ending the Korean War. (CMK)

This booklet chronicles the emergence of Hong Kong through its stormy history and examines the current status as changes are underway with the return of Hong Kong to China. Maps and charts illustrate the text. Chapters include: (1) Prelude; (2) "The Tiananmen Massacre and Its Aftermath"; (3) "Transition Years: 1991-96"; (4)…

Considers issues involved in the Korean War. Examines who was responsible for the war's onset, Soviet and Chinese involvement in North Korea's plan for war, the reasons why the United States and China entered the war, the effects on the rapprochement between the United States and China, and longer-term implications. (CMK)

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…

This booklet examines the complex origins of the Soviet-U.S. conflict. By tracing the history of the Soviet Union (USSR) to the time of Leonid Brezhnev's death in 1982, the volume raises questions about the future of the Soviet republic and the implications for world policy. Chapters include: (1) "Brezhnev's Legacy"; (2) "Hard…

Describes a classroom simulation that has students role play membership in the United Nations. Students are assigned countries and through research and debate learn that country's position on international issues. The culminating activity has students participate in a mock United Nations Assembly vote. Argues that this method encourages students…

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…

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.…