Resources

Current Events: International Alliances

Countries often form relationships with other countries for mutual defense, for trade in goods, to solve global problems, and even to learn from each other culturally. These relationships may be formal alliances sealed with a treaty or more temporary trade partnerships to buy and sell products. Sometimes these relationships are beneficial to all involved and sometimes the rewards are unbalanced. Some treaties are made under duress, like at the end of an armed conflict or with threat of a future one.

While alliances may offer strength in numbers, they can prompt the creation of rival alliances. For example, in the late 1940’s, the forming of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) gave rise to the Warsaw Pact. The G7 countries, an informal forum of seven historically major industrial world leaders, are now countered by BRICS, an intergovernmental organization of emerging market economies.  At times these competing alliances will attempt to enlarge their spheres of influence by expanding membership of their organization. Non member countries are enticed to pick a side with offerings of economic aid, military protection, or humanitarian assistance. One of the intents, either explicitly or implicitly, of adding more players to each team is to intimidate the other side. Another intent is to ensure a powerful position in the world economy, especially in terms of access to natural resources. Recent polling shows Americans are increasingly wary of international engagement, marking a shift from the attitudes of previous decades.

This week’s current event examines some major international alliances and features articles and editorials on the shifts in power among these groups. Recent developments include North Korea’s entrance into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iran entering the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and China’s dominance over minerals needed for renewable energy industries. The Evaluating a Source lesson we created asks students to critically analyze a video on the ‘Liberal World Order’ for accuracy, tone, and other important tools of media literacy. 

 

Essential Questions:

  • Essential Question #1 – What are the pros and cons of international alliances between nations?
  • Essential Questions #2 – To what extent is isolation possible in the modern world?
  • Essential Questions #3 – What type of alliances make the most sense to you: military, political, economic, environmental, cultural, or a combination?
  • Essential Question #4 – How effective have international organizations been at keeping the world free of wars and economic depressions like those in the early 20th century?
  • Essential Question #5 – In your opinion, what international alliances should the USA prioritize at present?

 

Vocabulary:

  • Alliance – a formal agreement between two or more nations, often with promises of mutual military protection
  • Partnership – a relationship between nations, perhaps short-term and without a formal treaty
  • Treaty – a binding agreement between nations which becomes part of international law, and under the umbrella of the US Constitution’s ‘supreme law of the land’
  • Multilateral – agreed upon or participated in by three or more parties, especially the governments of different countries.
  • Bilateral – involving two parties, especially countries.

 

Videos:

 

Podcasts:

 

Background Resources:

 

Recent Articles:

 

Recent Editorials:

 

Lesson Plans:

 

Resources for Younger Students: