Current World Issues - Study Guide

U.S. Topics:

  1. Domestic Issues:

    • Answers: Significant domestic issues in the U.S. include healthcare reform, immigration policy, gun control, racial justice, and climate change. For example, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) addressed healthcare reform, while the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted racial justice issues.

  2. Military Spending:

    • Answers: The U.S. allocates a substantial portion of its federal budget to military spending due to its status as a global superpower and commitment to maintaining a strong military. In 2021, the U.S. defense budget was over $700 billion, reflecting its global military presence.

  3. 2020 Election (Why Biden Won Theories):

    • Answers: Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 U.S. presidential election can be attributed to factors such as his broad appeal to voters, effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and concerns about the Trump administration's handling of issues, including racial justice and the economy.

  4. Post-Cold War World Characteristics:

    • Answers: The post-Cold War world is characterized by the absence of superpower rivalry, leading to a unipolar world dominated by the U.S. This era witnessed the spread of democracy, globalization, regional conflicts, the rise of non-state actors, and challenges such as terrorism and cybersecurity.

  5. Foreign Policy - Interventionism vs. Isolationism vs. Internationalism:

    • Answers: U.S. foreign policy has shifted between interventionism (active involvement in global conflicts), isolationism (avoiding foreign entanglements), and internationalism (collaborating on global issues). For instance, the U.S. intervened militarily in Iraq in 2003 but has also worked with international partners through organizations like the United Nations.

European Topics:

  1. PM of Britain:

    • Answers: As of September 2021, Boris Johnson was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Please verify the current Prime Minister as this may have changed since then.

  2. Banlieues:

    • Answers: Banlieues are suburban areas in France known for social and economic challenges, including issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social unrest, often with immigrant populations.

  3. German Issues:

    • Answers: Germany has faced various challenges, including debates about immigration and integration of refugees, economic reforms to maintain competitiveness, and its leadership role in the European Union.

  4. Tensions After Cold War (US and Russia):

    • Answers: Tensions between the United States and Russia persisted after the Cold War due to issues like NATO expansion into Eastern Europe, conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, and allegations of Russian interference in U.S. elections.

  5. Human Rights Abuses in Russia:

    • Answers: Russia has faced international criticism for alleged human rights abuses, including restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, political repression, and concerns about the conduct of free and fair elections. These issues have strained Russia's relations with Western countries.