The U.S. Role in a Changing World: Youth Speak Out

An important debate is taking place in the United States concerning America's role in the world today. What do you think? What issues are of most concern to you? What do you think we should do about these issues? What kind of world do you want in the 21st century? Join other students across the country and let your voice be heard.

U.S Role in the World—Ballot

Participate in the ballot on the U.S. Role in the World. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard. You can also participate in online surveys on a range of specific topics.

Reports on Student Views

Ballot Results: See a snapshot of what students are thinking. This is available online.

Full Report: A complete report was sent to the White House, Members of Congress, and the press when the new Congress convened in January 2005. A pdf of this report can be downloaded. Additional reports will be issued periodically.

U.S. Role in the World—Four Futures

Four distinct alternatives—or Futures—frame the current debate. They are designed to help you think about a range of possible policy alternatives, the ramifications of each, and the risks and trade-offs involved. The four Futures provided are not intended as a menu of choices. Rather, they are framed in stark terms to highlight very different policy approaches. Each alternative includes a set of policies on specific issues, an overview of the beliefs that underlie it, and some arguments in support of the position and some criticisms of it. After you have had a chance to consider each of the options presented, we encourage you to fill out the The U.S Role in the World Online Ballot and then to articulate your own considered judgment on this issue. You may want to borrow heavily from one of the positions presented, combine ideas from several, or take a new approach altogether.

NOTE: It is important to understand that no one Future as it is framed here reflects the views of any one political party or organization. It is your job to sort through the four Futures presented, think about your concerns and values, and the frame a "Future 5" that reflects your own views. When you have done this, then read the papers, listen to the views of others, think about the ways in which you agree and disagree, and look for areas of common ground.

We encourage you to communicate your views to elected officials and in public spaces such as letters to the editor. You can find contact information for the White House at www.whitehouse.gov/contact and your U.S. Senators and Representatives at thomas.loc.gov.

___________________

Teacher Resources

The U.S. Role in a Changing World is a full curriculum unit on this topic. Background readings examine pressing issues facing the United States and the world today, including the economy, human health and the environment, politics, culture and values, and security concerns. The four Futures are at the heart of the unit. A brief summary, The Futures in Brief, is available online.

Lesson Plan: A lesson plan focused on the four Futures is available from Teaching with the News.

Teaching with the News: You may also find our online resources on current foreign policy challenges useful. They include titles on Iraq, environment, terrorism, nuclear weapons, genocide, and more.