Requirement 3 (A)
Requirement
Pick a current world event. In relation to this current event, discuss with your counselor how a country’s national interest and its relationship with other countries might affect areas such as its security, its economy, its values, and the health of its citizens.
National Interest
The concept of national interest is based on the idea that the government will protect its citizens, property, and boundaries against infringement or trespass by any other nation. The key areas of national interest are national security and survival, economic welfare, and national values. A government classifies areas of interest in two ways:
Public (domestic) interests are internal concerns such as education, health care, and taxation—to be addressed within the country’s borders according to public policy.
National (foreign) interests refer to those issues that affect relations beyond a country’s borders.
What are National Interests?
How International Relations and Foreign Policy Protect Our National Interests
International Relations
The United States, like many democracies, has an open society where people, ideas, and products move freely. This helps support trade, travel, culture, and education. But openness can also create challenges, because criminals, terrorists, and hackers can take advantage of easy movement and modern technology.
Today, national security depends on more than borders or military strength. Problems in one country can quickly affect others. Issues like terrorism, disease, natural disasters, refugees, famine, and the spread of dangerous weapons can cross borders and require countries to work together.
Nations often form alliances or groups that cooperate on security, economics, the environment, or humanitarian needs. These partnerships can change over time, depending on world events and national interests.
Foreign Policy
A country’s foreign policy is how it interacts with other nations to protect its national interests. Policies usually stay steady over time, so allies know what to expect, but they can change when new challenges arise. For example, after the September 11, 2001, attacks, the U.S. created the Department of Homeland Security.
Nations choose different approaches based on whether they want to act alone or work with others:
- Isolationism: Staying out of other countries’ affairs
- Unilateralism: Making decisions independently
- Bilateralism/Multilateralism: Working with one or more countries toward shared goals
Foreign policy changes as world events change. In democracies, citizens can influence these decisions—so staying informed about global issues helps make sure many voices are heard, not just special interest groups.
Helpful Tip
International relations are how countries interact with each other. This includes things like trade, peacekeeping, cooperation, conflict, and helping other nations during disasters.
Foreign policy is a country’s game plan for handling those interactions. It’s the set of decisions and actions a nation takes to guide its relationships with other countries.
Think of it like this:
-
International relations = the world stage.
All countries are interacting, making agreements, and dealing with global issues. -
Foreign policy = a country’s strategy.
How one nation chooses to act on the world stage.
Examples of How International Relationships Influence a Nation and Its People
Security
The U.S. forms alliances (such as NATO) with other countries to improve security.
- By cooperating with allies, the U.S. reduces the risk of military threats.
- Shared intelligence and defense agreements help prevent terrorism and conflict.
Result: Strong relationships increase national and citizen security.
Economy
The U.S. trades with many countries to access goods, energy, and technology.
- Trade agreements can lower prices and create jobs.
- Trade disputes or sanctions can raise costs for consumers and businesses.
Result: Foreign relationships directly affect economic stability and household costs.
Values
The U.S. often promotes democracy, human rights, and freedom in its foreign policy.
- It may support countries with similar values.
- It may impose sanctions on governments that violate human rights.
Result: Relationships reflect and reinforce national values, even if there is an economic cost.
Health of Citizens
During global health crises (like pandemics), international cooperation is critical.
- The U.S. works with other countries to share medical research, vaccines, and data.
- Poor relationships or isolation can delay access to medical supplies.
Result: Diplomatic cooperation can save lives and improve public health outcomes.
How to Choose a World Event
Visit one trusted international news website, such as:
- BBC World News
- Reuters World
- Associated Press World
- Al Jazeera English
Investigate the event through guided online research.
Explore the event by searching:
- Country affected
- What caused the event
- Which nations are involved
- What interests each country has (security, economic goals, political alliances, humanitarian concerns)
Ask yourself:
- What is this event about?
- Which countries are involved and why?
- What national interests are at play? (Examples: securing borders, protecting trade, preserving cultural values)
- How do alliances or rivalries influence this event?
Now you have learned about world events and how they affect other countries,
let’s learn about how other countries’ geography, natural resources, and climate influence global partnerships.
