Each is grounded in a clearly defined philosophy about the U.S. role in the world and our country's relationship with the United Nations. 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 intervening in conflicts abroad. The unit opens with a discussion of the concepts featured in Part I of the background reading. Day Two focuses attention on the forces that shaped the international community's role in conflict resolution during the Cold War. The third and fourth days of the lesson plan feature a simulation in which students assume the roles of advocates for the four options.
Students respond to current case studies to illuminate their assigned topics.
Finally, on the fifth day, students develop their own options and apply their views to a hypothetical crisis. For additional educational materials on international conflict and development, visit the Humanitarianism and War Project and the Hunger Web . Both are projects of the Watson Institute of International Studies at Brown University.