Dilemmas of Foreign Aid: Debating U.S. Priorities, Policies, and Practices
Printed Curriculum [$20]
Downloadable Curriculum [$16]
Classroom Set [$9.75ea] (10 min)
Third edition. September 2005.
Overview
Since the end of the Cold War, international relations have radically changed. The collapse of the Soviet Union took with it the East-West conflict that dominated world affairs for more than four decades. In its place, the North-South division and a struggle against terrorism have emerged as important frameworks for international relations. How the United States responds to the problems and challenges of developing countries will undoubtedly be a central question of U.S. foreign policy in the twenty-first century.
Dilemmas of Foreign Aid: Debating U.S. Priorities, Policies, and Practices introduces students to many of the most important issues on the U.S. policy agenda for the developing world.
Readings
The background readings in Dilemmas of Foreign Aid: Debating U.S. Priorities, Policies, and Practices have been written to prepare students to thoughtfully consider the policy choices facing our country.
- Part I summarizes the critical issues of U.S. aid policy.
- Part II examines four case studies that highlight some of the dilemmas and controversies of providing aid.
Framework of Policy Options
The three distinct policy directions, or options, at the core of the unit are designed to help students clarify their thoughts and, ultimately, articulate their own views. Each is grounded in a clearly defined philosophy about the U.S. role in the world and the effectiveness of foreign aid and trade measures in promoting economic development. By exploring a broad spectrum of alternatives, students gain a deeper understanding of the competing values and assumptions that frame the debate on U.S. policy toward the developing world.
Suggested Five-Day Lesson Plan
The Teacher's Resource Book accompanying Dilemmas of Foreign Aid: Debating U.S. Priorities, Policies, and Practices contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- Day One engages students in a brief history of U.S. foreign aid policy and interpretation of graphs about U.S. aid.
- An optional lesson offers a glimpse at U.S. efforts in Latin America during the 1960s and introduces students to the often contradictory goals of U.S. policy toward the developing world during the Cold War.
- Day Two allows students to reflect on the dilemmas of U.S. development policy.
- Days Three and Four feature a simulation in which students assume the role of advocates for the three options.
- Day Five asks students to apply their own policy recommendations to specific countries.