Speaking and discussing

Look for relevant information from internet, newspapers and magazines and use it in disputes and discussions with your classmates.

The world since 9/11

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 on the World Trade Centre have served to significantly influence world politics and international relations by bringing many countries closer together, whilst also pushing many others much further apart. Discuss a very influential topic.

• What is the most significant event in international relations since 9/11?

• In what ways could the events of 9/11 be said to have improved international relations?

• Why, on the basis of international relations prior to the event, could 9/11 be considered inevitable?

• How have international relations between the West and the Middle East been influenced by 9/11?

• What are the key lessons that have been learned politically since 9/11?

• How has trade between nations been influenced by the events of 9/11?

• Why did the events of 9/11 actually happen?

• Was enough done in the immediate wake of 9/11 to prevent further similar acts of terrorism?

• Were the actions of countries in the wake of 9/11 legitimate?

• Is the use of force a legitimate response to terrorist attacks?

Us Foreign Policy

In the latter half of the last century in particular, US foreign policy developed at pace, with the US electing to involve itself in events far across the world as a means of maintaining its position as one of the key 'superpowers' in the world today. In its foreign policy, the US has often talked about 'policing the rest of the world' how could such terminology be merely construed as bullying?

• Are the actions of the US in its international relations with other nations always legitimate?

• How, through the developing relationships of other countries, could the US be said to have overstepped its powers?

• The United Nations is meant to regulate countries, but the US thinks it is the 'police' who are really in control?

• How do the development of nuclear power in China and other Asian countries serve to reflect the negative aspects of US foreign policy?

• Why does China's growth as an economic power serve to threaten the US?

• Who actually controls US foreign policy?

• In recent years, why has US foreign policy bordered on bullying?

• Why could US foreign policy be likened to the Crusades for the 'Holy Grail' during the time of the Richard the Lion Heart?

• What is the most significant potential threat to US foreign policy? How is this likely to change US foreign policy?

British Foreign Policy

How the government establishes its foreign policy goals and seeks to put them into play, is a significant marker for how the country is perceived in Europe and the rest of the world. Compare the policies of this Labour government with that of the last Conservative governments - which were better? Why?

• Why could current Labour policies be said to be detracting from Britain's once proud traditional position in Europe?

• What are Britain's current policies? How are they legitimate?

• Has Britain's moves to be closer to Europe caused most of its economic and social problems?

• Is the free movement of people within the EU a significant marker for the success of Britain's foreign policy?

• How does Britain's current foreign policy serve to illustrate its close ties with the US?

• On the basis of Britain's foreign policy, is Britain little more than the US' 'pet'?

• How influential is Britain's foreign policy on the rest of Europe?

• How has the formation of a 'Single European Entity' served to influence Britain's foreign policy goals?

• 'Britain's foreign policy goals have always been limited and never really changed or achieved anything'. Why?