Current events can be a controversial topic in schools, but using the strategies suggested here can help teachers lead productive discussions about the world around them. By focusing on the issues and ideas that matter most to students, teaching them about the global community in which we live will increase their empathy, understanding, and engagement as citizens.
A reversal in COVID-19 deaths and the end of travel restrictions indicate that we may have turned the corner on the pandemic. However, the effects of the virus will be felt for years to come as countries continue to struggle with economic recovery, social erosion, and inequity, along with the ongoing challenges of vaccine hesitancy, distribution, and poor healthcare systems.
As the US and China continue to teeter on the brink of war, Biden continues to advocate for tough measures to limit China’s rise. However, the administration’s unilateralism and lackluster support from allies undermine its efforts.
After WWII, the Soviet Union and the United States struggled for spheres of influence in Eastern Europe. These tensions sparked the Cold War, which ultimately ended when the Soviets and the United States destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagas.
Some 32 million people worldwide are refugees or internally displaced persons, fleeing their homes due to conflict, persecution, or poverty. This figure obscures the true extent of the humanitarian crisis, which is further compounded by increasing economic slowdowns and rising interest rates.