International Diplomacy: Icivics Explains Global Relations

how international diplomacy works in icivics

iCivics offers a range of educational games and resources that teach students about international diplomacy and foreign policy. One such game is Convene the Council, which was developed in partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). In this game, students take on the role of the president of the United States and learn about the complex interactions and interdependence that exist in our globalized world. They are faced with challenging questions about the United States' role in the world and must weigh the pros and cons of various policy options. Through this interactive gameplay, students develop an understanding of negotiation, sanctions, and other tools used in diplomacy, preparing them to navigate the intricacies of international relations.

Characteristics Values
Interactive lessons Understanding of negotiation, sanctions, and other diplomatic relationship elements
Complex interactions in a globalized world Comparison of international organizations' basic structures
International Affairs unit Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Conflict and Cooperation International Influence
International crises addressed through strategic action

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Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

The iCivics game "Convene the Council" is a notable example of their approach to teaching foreign policy and diplomacy. In this game, students step into the role of the President of the United States, facing various foreign policy challenges. They are tasked with addressing international crises, weighing the pros and cons of different policy options, and making decisions that balance domestic and international considerations. This interactive approach allows students to grasp the intricacies of diplomacy and the impact of economic, cultural, and military influences.

Through "Convene the Council," students explore the interplay between domestic and foreign policy. They confront realistic scenarios, such as disease outbreaks in foreign cities or providing support to democratic allies. In these situations, students must consider the recommendations of the President's advisors and make tough choices that align with U.S. interests and values.

Additionally, iCivics emphasizes the importance of international organizations and collaboration in foreign policy and diplomacy. Students learn about different international organizations and their specific roles, treating them as tools in a toolbox that can be leveraged to address global challenges. This perspective fosters an understanding of the complex interactions and interdependence that characterize our globalized world.

By engaging with iCivics' interactive lessons and games, students develop a nuanced understanding of foreign policy and diplomacy. They gain insights into negotiation, sanctions, and other diplomatic tools, recognizing their applicability in different situations. This educational approach equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international relations and make informed decisions in a global context.

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Conflict and Cooperation

The iCivics curriculum emphasizes the importance of collaboration and conflict resolution in international affairs. Students explore how countries work together to address shared problems and how conflicts can arise when these issues remain unresolved. They delve into the motivations and conditions that lead to diplomatic action, examining historical and recent global events to understand the evolution of diplomacy. By treating international organizations as tools in a toolbox, each with a unique role, students learn about the nuanced art of negotiation, sanctions, and other diplomatic tools.

The partnership between iCivics and the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is particularly noteworthy in addressing conflict and cooperation. CFR brings its expertise in foreign policy and global affairs to the development of educational resources. Their shared goal is to enhance students' global literacy and understanding of international relations. Through digital tools like Model Diplomacy and World101, students experience how government and political systems operate on a global scale, empowering them to tackle pressing global issues that transcend borders.

The Cold War case study is another example of how iCivics explores conflict and cooperation. By examining this pivotal historical event, students can grasp the intricacies of international relations and the delicate balance between cooperation and conflict. They can analyze the motivations and conditions that led to specific actions during the Cold War, enhancing their understanding of diplomacy and international authority. This knowledge will enable them to apply these lessons to modern-day international diplomacy.

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International Influence

The iCivics resources provide interactive lessons and games that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing students to step into the role of decision-makers, such as the president of the United States, and navigate foreign policy challenges. For example, in the "Convene the Council" game, students are presented with critical questions: How should the United States respond to a potential disease outbreak in a foreign city? Should the US support democracies abroad? What actions should be taken if an ally is threatened?

Through these engaging scenarios, students develop their understanding of international influence and the delicate balance between domestic and foreign interests. They learn that countries often collaborate to address global issues and that conflicts can arise when disagreements occur. By analysing various policy options, students appreciate the impact of their decisions on the international community and the importance of effective diplomacy.

The iCivics curriculum emphasises the importance of international organisations and their unique roles in addressing global challenges. Students explore the structure and functions of these organisations, treating them as tools in a toolbox, each contributing to a shared goal. This approach fosters an understanding of international cooperation and the complex interactions within our globalised world.

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International Organisations

One way to think about international organisations is to consider them as tools in a toolbox, each collaborating and fulfilling specific roles to get a job done. Students can compare the basic structures of several different international organisations before categorising their work. They can also examine the local and global impact of economic, cultural, and military influences in developing spheres of influence.

The iCivics game "Convene the Council" teaches students about foreign policy and global civics in an engaging way. In the game, students take on the role of the president of the United States, addressing international crises and improving core metrics such as prosperity, values, security, and world health. They are faced with difficult decisions as conflicts escalate and must consider the pros and cons of various policy options.

Through this game, students learn about the difficult balance between foreign and domestic needs and how their policy decisions might play out internationally. They also develop an understanding of international organisations and the tools of diplomacy, such as negotiation and sanctions, that are used in diplomatic relationships.

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International Affairs

The interactive lessons allow students to grasp the nuances of diplomacy and understand the various tools used in different diplomatic situations, such as negotiation and sanctions. They are encouraged to think of international organizations as tools in a toolbox, each fulfilling specific roles to achieve a common goal.

The Convene the Council game, developed in partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), is a key part of the International Affairs unit. In this game, students step into the role of the president of the United States, engaging with the National Security Council to make foreign policy decisions. They navigate complex issues, such as addressing international crises, improving core metrics of U.S. prosperity and values, and responding to global health challenges.

Through this game, students gain a practical understanding of foreign policy and its interplay with domestic needs. They are challenged to consider how their policy decisions might impact both international relations and the U.S. public. The game fills gaps in global literacy by providing an early foundation for students as young as twelve to understand international relations and foreign policy.

Frequently asked questions

The iCivics International Affairs unit aims to teach students about the complex interactions that exist in our globalized world. It does so by examining the evolution of diplomacy and international interdependence through recent and historical global events.

Convene the Council is a game created in partnership between iCivics and the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). In the game, students take on the role of the president of the United States and engage with members of the National Security Council to make foreign policy decisions and address international crises.

Students learn about international authority, the motivations and conditions that lead to conflict or cooperation between countries, and the nuances of diplomacy. They also learn about the basic structure of international organizations and their local and global impact.

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