Current Issues
Afghanistan
The United States in Afghanistan
Students explore Afghanistan’s culture and history, and then examine the events that led to the Soviet invasion, the arrival of Osama bin Laden, and the situation today.
China
China on the World Stage: Weighing the U.S. Response
Students explore the history of Western relations with China and consider the global impact of China's economic growth, societal transformation, and increasing international involvement.
Climate Change
Climate Change and Questions of Justice
Students explore the causes and effects of global warming and delves into questions of who is most responsible for and vulnerable to the changing climate.
Cuba
History, Revolution, and Reform: New Directions for Cuba
History, Revolution, and Reform: New Directions for Cuba traces Cuba’s history from the country’s precolonial past to its most recent economic, social, and political changes. Students re-create the discussions Cubans on the island are having about their country’s future.
Foreign Aid
Dilemmas of Foreign Aid: Debating U.S. Policies
Readings, case studies, and primary sources prepare students to consider the trade-offs of foreign aid and articulate their own views on the future direction of U.S. policy.
Genocide
Confronting Genocide: Never Again?
Students trace the evolution of the international community's response to genocide and examine how the United States has responded to six cases of genocide.
Human Rights
Competing Visions of Human Rights: Questions for U.S. Policy
Through readings and activities students explore the history of international human rights and consider various options for defining and protecting rights.
Immigration
Immigration and the U.S. Policy Debate
Students explore the history of immigration to the United States and current U.S. immigration policy in the Trump era.
Mexico
Between Two Worlds: Mexico at the Crossroads
Students explore Mexico's economic and cultural transformation. The unit probes Mexico's complex identity and history and brings students face-to-face with the difficult policy choices confronting the people of Mexico today.
Middle East
The Middle East: Questions for U.S. Policy
Students examine the role of oil in geopolitics, the issues between Israel and the Palestinians, the significance of the Iranian Revolution, and other historical issues that have shaped U.S. relations in the region.
Nigeria
Nigeria: History, Identity, and Change
Students explore Nigeria’s history—from the precolonial to the present—and think about what the country’s future might look like.
Nuclear Weapons
The Challenge of Nuclear Weapons
The Challenge of Nuclear Weapons introduces students to the history of nuclear weapons and the concept of deterrence. It examines arguments for and against nuclear weapons and looks at three challenges facing us today: the leftover arsenals of the Cold War, proliferation, and the threat of nuclear terrorism.
Russia
Russia’s Transformation: Challenges for U.S. Policy
Students survey the economic issues and political developments that have shaped the outlook of policymakers in the Kremlin and Washington.
Terrorism
Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy
Students consider the changing nature of terrorism, the motivations of terrorists, and the policy challenges for the United States.
International Trade
International Trade in a Globalized World
International Trade in a Globalized World helps students explore the controversies surrounding international trade. Students consider the issues that affect trade including globalization in the United States and abroad.
Turkey
Empire, Republic, Democracy: Turkey’s Past and Future
Students trace the final years of the Ottoman Empire, the struggle for independence, and Turkish resistance against European imperialism.
United Nations
The United Nations: Challenges and Change
The United Nations: Challenges and Change helps students consider the record of the United Nations since its founding. Students examine the UN’s role in the world through an evaluation of three areas of UN work: the Security Council, peacekeeping, and human rights.
U.S. Role in the World
The U.S. Role in a Changing World
The U.S. Role in a Changing World helps students reflect on global changes, assess national priorities, and decide for themselves the role the United States should play in the world today. Readings include discussions of security, economy, environment, culture, and politics.