Americans need to understand the world much better than we do. We frequently talk about “leading the world.” And U.S. foreign policy is based on the idea that we make the rules. If we are to show leadership in the world, we need an electorate that understands today’s international challenges. We need to understand what problems exist, and how we can best assist others to solve these problems. Understanding such issues should empower our citizens to elect representatives who will promote effective policy that goes beyond the failing status quo.
Here are some interesting—and entertaining—videos clips and charts about what is going on in the world. I hope you enjoy these resources.
“The public has little interest in news about other countries and generally holds uninformed, malleable opinions on most international issues.” (Source)
Check out this great clip from the Daily Show with Jon Stewart: American Views
This is how most Americans view the world:
Noteworthy Trends:
Growing Inequality
- The richest 50 individuals in the world have a combined income greater than that of the poorest 416 million.
- There are 2.5 billion people living on less than $2 a day
- Even in the U.S., the richest society in history, the income gap is growing faster than in any other developed nation, with severe poverty levels at their highest since 1972 (source)
Consequences of Global Inequality
- Leads to increased migration to wealthy nations, as workers seek employment
- May lead to leftist revolutions
- Increased poverty—an average of 50,000 people die from poverty each day
- Leads to social disintegration, violence and terrorism
More resources: