Russia's Transformation: Challenges for U.S. Policy
Printed Curriculum [$20]
Downloadable Curriculum [$16]
Classroom Set [$9.75ea] (10 min)
First edition. August 2008.
Overview
The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of an era for U.S. foreign policy. With the Soviet threat gone, U.S. foreign policy lost its primary focus. Many Americans turned away from issues overseas and put their former enemy out of their minds.
Yet, the former Soviet Union still casts an enormous shadow. Russia, by far the largest of the fifteen former Soviet states, is a giant among nations. The country covers one seventh of the earth's land and contains huge reserves of oil, gas, minerals, and other natural resources. It assumed control of most of the Soviet Union's powerful military and its permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Russia possesses a nuclear arsenal comparable to that of the United States and a powerful army. Washington and Moscow are no longer the bitter enemies they were during the Cold War, but neither are they allies. For all of these reasons, the relationship between Russia and the United States remains extremely important. Russia's Transformation: Challenges for U.S. Policy draws students into the debate on U.S. policy towards Russia.
This unit replaces Charting Russia's Future and Russia's Uncertain Transition
Readings
The background reading in Russia's Transformation: Challenges for U.S. Policy has been written to prepare students to thoughtfully consider the policy choices before them. Part I offers an historical overview of U.S. relations with the Russian empire and the Soviet Union. Part II surveys the economic and political changes that Russia has undergone since the Soviet collapse. Part III concentrates on the leading challenges facing U.S. policymakers with respect to Russia and its neighbors.
Framework of Policy Options
At the core of this curriculum are three distinct options for U.S. policy. Each option contains a different perspective on the threats and opportunities presented by conditions in Russia. By exploring this spectrum of alternatives, students gain a deeper understanding of the values and assumptions underlying U.S. foreign policy. The reading provides students with the knowledge needed to take part in the debate on the U.S. relationship with Russia.
Suggested -Day Lesson Plan
The Teacher's Resource Book accompanying Russia's Transformation: Challenges for U.S. Policy contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- Day One has students assess U.S. policy at the onset of the Cold War.
- An optional lesson exposes students to the image of the United States depicted in Soviet propaganda and vice-versa.
- Day Two has students explore the geography of Russia.
- An optional lesson examines how people in Russia view the changes affecting their lives.
- Days Three and Four involve students in a simulation in which they act as advocates of the three options or take on the role of members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
- On the fifth day, students develop policy recommendations based on their own values and beliefs.