Essential Question(s):
The United States has dominated the world since the Second World War. We have had the most productive economy in the world, the best education system, the global cultural dominated entertainment industry, and one of the largest populations (outside the big two of India and China). At the beginning of this century we see some challenges to this dominance and a sense that the globe is changing. Some of these changes stem from our structural limitations and others from the aspirations and gains of other nations and groups of nations. We are going to examine five areas that are critical for future development and are relevant to future prosperity. As the new President prepares to take office he will face these challenges:
Trump's Foreign Policy Challenges- Please Read This First!
1.) China and the Challenge of the Future-
The Chinese have a long and successful history of regional and trans-regional dominance. Their recent past belies the vast cultural,economic, and political influence of their pre-20th century decline. Today, as the Chinese economy becomes the second largest in the world and the Chinese government competes with the United States to shape future power we need to consider how we can maintain U.S. interest and find common ground with the ambitious Chinese agenda. Please read the linked article below to find out more about our potential future with the Chinese and the possible steps to resolution that may need to be taken.
2.) The Middle East- Several conflicts and challenges are going to emerge from this region. Religious differences, poverty, energy policy, and terrorism are all associated with the complicated politics of the Middle East. These maps will help you understand this complex region.
3.) Russia- While Trump prepares for the presidency the issue of Russia has been important. The strategic ambitions of the Putin led government are vast and complicated. Maintaining NATO at the border with Russia will be an immediate issue. Dealing with Russian influence corruption and ambition will be critical for the President. These maps explain Russia's strategic thinking and challenges.
4.)Europe- Our largest trading partner and cultural sibling is crumbling. The Brexit, refugee crisis, and aggression from the Russians and terrorism have strained the European Union. Distrust of the new president and the policies that he may support will put a strain on our long-standing and productive partnerships. Organizations created at the end of WWII that have ensured stability are in danger of being overwhelmed or eliminated. These maps will demonstrate what the refugee crisis has done to the region and how Europeans have struggled to cope.
5.) Free-Trade- As we have covered in this class for the last few months, economic and cultural openness and interactions are at a historical high. These connections have brought both benefit and challenges. Eliminating or limiting free trade will have vast consequences that will be difficult to prevent if triggered. Increasing American economic health and maintaining fair and free trade will be difficult. These charts show the benefits and drawbacks to free trade.