Foreign Policy---You Decide
For each of the scenario's below, identify the area of National Interest which is at stake and the
action that the U.S. should take and explain why. You must inform the American citizens of your
actions, so be prepared to defend your response. You must not fail---the survival of America and your
legacy are at stake!
National Interests:
1) Defense of Country
2) Economic Prosperity
3) A Favorable World Order
4) The Promotion of Our Values
Scenarios:
1) Violence Erupts Along the India-Pakistan Border: Shots have been fired along the
border between India and Pakistan. Both countries have nuclear weapons, and
peace in South Asia is threatened. Several thousand Americans live in each nation.
2) U.S. Spy Plane Shot Down Over China: A U.S. spy plane has been shot down over
China. The pilot was captured and is being held for interrogation by the Chinese
military.
3) Drought Ravages Sudan and Somalia: The African countries of Sudan and Somalia
are in the midst of a prolonged drought. Crops have failed, disease and starvation
are widespread, and large numbers of people are dying everyday. Refugees are
fleeing to neighboring countries. The governments of both nations have appealed
for foreign aid.
4) American and Cuban Fishermen in Dispute: A dispute has arisen between American
and Cuban fishermen over fishing rights in the Gulf of Mexico. Both claim the same
territorial waters.
5) OPEC Cuts Oil Production: The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries plans
to cut back on oil production. This will drive up the cost of gasoline and heating oil
in the U.S. and other nations that import petroleum.
6) Terrorists May Be Planning New Attacks: Terrorist groups are believed to be
planning a series of attacks against American facilities and U.S. citizens in the Middle
East and parts of Africa. The terrorist are also spreading anti-American propaganda.
Persuasion
Options to Consider: (In order, starting with Persuasion and ending in Force)
Public Diplomacy
Diplomatic Posturing
Negotiation
International Law
International Organizations
Alliance Building
Economic Sanctions
Deployment of Military
Persuasive Force
Information Warfare
War
Force
