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 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 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)…

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 historical roots from which today's Caribbean societies evolved, and the wide variety of social, economic and political entities that make up the Caribbean region today. Separate chapters discuss and compare the economies of the region, its political systems, and the increasingly important phenomenon of Caribbean…

This booklet examines the irreducible role of religion and authentic religious belief in several regional and international conflicts. Major manifestations of a global religious resurgence are the fundamentalist and fundamentalist like movements, which seek political power to complement and enforce their religious and cultural programs. Chapters…

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…

This booklet examines the emergence of the two Korea's and implications for their unification. By tracing the philosophical development of the nations and shared ideas and values, the booklet attempts to explain policy issues faced by the nations and other world powers in dealing with them. Chapters include: (1) "Legacies from the Past";…

Describes several activities which successfully involve students in learning about the complex nature of world affairs and issues which are globally interdependent. Activities fall under the four headings of awareness of planet, interdependence, multiple perspectives, and conflict management. Describes resources to use with the activities. (KO)

This annual publication contains reading materials designed to help students understand the complexities of the domestic and foreign policy issues facing the United States. The first portion of the book features background reading on the structure of the Federal Government. Next, 10 domestic policy issues are covered: the economy, education, civil…

This booklet examines one of the most tragic and dangerous paradoxes facing the nations of the world at the end of the 20th century: hunger amid plenty. Even though the world does not lack for food, the problem lies in the distribution and power of ownership. There are serious moral, economic and political reasons why the U.S. in particular should…

Designed to initiate discussion of foreign policy decisions, this book contains an analysis of eight foreign policy issues confronting the United States in 1986. Each unit provides the background and guidelines to provide perspective to assist in understanding foreign policy crises. The units included in this issue are: (1) "How Foreign Policy Is…