Contemporary Issues

Essential Understanding Developed and developing nations are characterized by different levels of economic development (annual GDP growth), population characteristics, and social conditions (literacy, access to health care) Economic development and the rapid growth of population are having an impact on the environment Sound economic conditions contribute to a stable democracy, and political freedom helps foster economic development

20th Century Ethnic/Religious Conflicts Middle East: Fighting between Israel and Palestine (Israel created in 1948); ethnic Kurds face discrimination Balkans: Genocide of Croats and Bosnian Muslims Northern Ireland: Catholics and Protestants fight over reunification of Ireland Horn of Africa: Eritrea gains independence from Ethiopia; Somalia fights a civil war South Asia: Conflicts between India and Pakistan over control of the Kashmir region

Refugees Definition: One who flees, especially to another country, seeking refuge from war, political oppression, religious persecution, or a natural disaster Issues Financial and security strain on countries accepting refugees Protecting the rights of refugees (stateless persons) Finding durable, long-term solutions

Top 10 Countries of Refugee Origin (at the end of 2013) CountryRefugees Afghanistan2,556,600 Syrian Arab Republic2,468,400 Somalia1,121,700 Sudan649,300 Democratic Republic of the Congo 499,500 Myanmar479,600 Iraq401,400 Colombia396,600 Vietnam314,100 Eritrea308,000

New Technologies BenefitsConcerns Computers and new forms of communication (i.e., the internet) Boost collaboration Effective writing Better communication Education/learning Privacy/security Children’s development Health effects Environmental effects Genetic engineering of agricultural products (food) Faster, larger, and better yields (more food) Resistant to pests and diseases (do not require pesticides) Resistant to cold, drought, poor soil, and many other adverse environmental conditions More nutrients and vitamins Unforeseen consequences on the environment Potential threat to biodiversity Potential monopoly over food production Long-term health effects Biotechnology (stem cell research and cloning of cells) Medical benefits in the fields of therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine Potential for discovering treatments and cures for diseases Education about human growth and cell development Testing of drugs/medicine without the use of animal or human testers Stem cells may not be the solution for all ailments Long-term health effects

Challenges facing the 21st Century Environmental Challenges Social Challenges Economic Challenges PollutionPovertyUnemployment Loss of habitatPoor healthEconomic development Global climate changeIlliteracyRapid population growth Famine Migration

Economic Interdependence The countries of the world are increasingly dependent on each other for raw materials, markets, and financial resources. Multinational Corporation - an organization that owns or controls productions of goods or services in one or more countries other than the home country European Union - a union of 28 member countries that are located primarily in Europe that operate through a system of intergovernmental negotiated decisions by the member states (formed in 1958) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States that created a trilateral rules-based trade bloc in North America (signed in 1994) World Trade Organization (WTO) - an organization that deals with regulation of trade between participating countries by providing a framework for negotiating and formalizing trade agreements and a dispute resolution process aimed at enforcing participants’ adherence to WTO agreements (signed by 123 nations in 1995) International Monetary Fund (IMF) - an international organization of 188 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world (formed in 1944)

Terrorism Definition: The use of violence or the threat of violence (intended to create fear), especially against civilians, in the pursuit of religious, political, or ideological goals A major cause of terrorism is religious extremism Examples of International Terrorism: Munich Olympics - Israel’s entire Olympic team was killed by a Palestinian group Car bombings - a vehicle wired to explode on command Suicide bombers - the attacker knows he/she will die Airline hijackers - the unlawful capture of an aircraft by force 9/11/ an attack on the U.S. by Osama bin Laden and the militant Islamist organization, Al Qaeda

How have governments’ responses to terrorism affected peoples’ individual rights? Surveillance & privacy rights Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United States passed laws that expanded the government’s ability to conduct surveillance, or close observation, of private citizens in order to protect Americans from terrorists. Critics think the laws violate privacy rights. Security at ports & airports The U.S. and other countries have increased security at airports, ports, and other public places. For example, airline workers thoroughly search passengers and their luggage for weapons. Certain objects, such as small knives or scissors, can no longer be brought on board airplanes. ID badges & photos Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, a growing number of schools and businesses require employees to wear photo ID badges to enter their buildings.