Watch the videos below and answer the questions that follow.
Since 9/11, U.S. foreign policy debate has increasingly focused on the relationship of the United States with Muslim nations and communities. In this video, a CNN anchor speaks with U.S. State Department Special Representative to Muslim Communities, Farah Pandith, and a researcher from Gallup on the diversity of Muslim and Muslim American communities and State Department diplomatic strategy.
Muslim Views from around the World
CNN
Added On September 15, 2010
|
| 1a. What American ideals are emphasized by the panelists in this video? Are these ideals reflected in current American foreign policy? Why or why not?
|
|
| 1b. Why does the State Department have a Special Representative to Muslim Communities? What does this position and her remarks tell you about American foreign policy strategy in this area?
|
|
Foreign policy, and specifically America’s future presence in Iraq, was a key issue for the candidates and voters during the 2008 presidential election. Both John McCain and Barack Obama articulated clear visions of their foreign policy goals and strategies, and the similarities and differences between those visions became increasingly apparent to the public in the campaign ads and debates thar aired during the campaign. The following videos provide examples of how these visions were presented by Obama and McCain.
Blueprint for Change: Foreign Policy
Obama/Biden 2008
John McCain Foreign Policy Address at the World Affairs Council
McCain/Palin 2008
Town Hall Debate
C-SPAN
First aired October 7, 2008
|
| 2a. Based upon the videos above, summarize the main foreign policy differences between John McCain and Barack Obama. What similarities do they share in their foreign policies? Which candidate’s views on foreign policy do you favor? Why?
|
|
| 2b. Has President Obama, in your view, adhered to the foreign policy proposals he outlined in his campaign? Why or why not?
|
|
Nongovernmental organizations, international and humanitarian missions, and nonprofit groups also play roles in the foreign policy sphere. The following videos provide examples of how these groups factor into the American government’s foreign policy.
Peace Corps A Legacy at Home and Abroad
February 26, 2010
The United Nations: It’s Your World
United Nations
November 6, 2008
Fire Up
Amnesty International
2008
|
| In your opinion, how important are the activities of the organizations profiled in the above videos for maintaining peace and security in the world? What role do they play in U.S. foreign policy, as compared with other types of governmental efforts?
|
| 3b. What do you think are the most important foreign policy issues currently facing the United States? What institutions or organizations do you think should deal with these problems, and what would you like them to do?
|
|