Designed for high school global education classes, this document examines the consequences of dependency and self-reliance in developing nations. The paper points out that millions of people are denied control over basic resources and have little influence over decisions which deeply affect their lives. The forms of dependency and insecurity are…

Definitions, statistics, and problems of world refugees are presented in this document for high school global education classes. Although various agencies have determined different definitions of the term, the authors consider as refugees all those forced to flee their native land in order to survive. For most refugees the attraction of a higher…

Scientists have increasingly focused attention on far-reaching environmental threats, such as climate change, ozone depletion, and deforestation, that transcend national boundaries. A new concept, global environmental problems, has entered the public arena, particularly in the area of foreign policy and economic matters. This unit explores the…

The sources of political violence against Guatemala's rural poor are traced in this document for high school global education classes. The paper summarizes "Witness to Political Violence in Guatemala: The Suppression of a Rural Development Movement" (Oxfam America's Impact Audit No. 2). The study was based on 115 respondents, both…

The relationship between civil rights and human rights is clarified. It is inconsistent for the United States to espouse civil rights at home and support undemocratic, fascist, or communist governments abroad that violate human rights. We must insist that our government use its leverage in places like South Africa. (RM)

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 document presents a particularly challenging unit that thrusts students into the new foreign policy frontier that has developed since the end of the Cold War. The unit contains background reading and foreign policy options. The first part of the background reading introduces students to the institutions and conceptual framework of the…

This ERIC Digest discusses issues relating to teaching about U.S. foreign policy in the changing international environment following the end of the Cold War era and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. The document treats: (1) the need and rationale for teaching and learning about current foreign policy issues; (2) main themes in foreign policy…

The insidious nature of the apartheid system in South Africa is described, and what individuals and nations can do to end it is suggested. (RM)

Discussed here are two schools of thought on how best to avoid nuclear war, i.e., that of (1) the Mutual Assured Destroyers who believe that the real enemy is the arms race itself, and (2) the Classical Strategists who believe that the real enemy is the Soviet Union. (RM)

As the post-war period in Iraq comes into focus, an important debate is taking place in the United States and abroad about how the transition period should be handled, who should be in charge, and what the goals should be. This lesson is designed to help teachers to engage their students in consideration of this international issue. The lesson is…

A simulation designed to examine American responsibility with respect to global hunger is provided. Students play American leaders who must choose between conflicting national and international priorities. (Author/DE)

Morality as an enduring element in United States foreign policy is discussed. In order to strengthen the steady purpose and responsible involvement of the American people, human rights policy must be presented in the context of a realistic assessment of world affairs. (RM)

This booklet examines some of the critical issues that will affect the resolution of the Puerto Rican question of independence. Historical, social, political, economic and international dimensions of the issue are addressed. Chapters include: (1) "From Guanica to the New Deal"; (2) "The Commonwealth: Politics and Society"; (3)…

Designed to correspond with the similar topic in the American Issues Forum program, this article provides readings and discussion questions on America's role in helping to solve world problems. The readings focus on the ethical decision of whether to share our affluence with the rest of the world. (DE)