Study Group Questions

Chapter One: Making Connections

What are your sources of information about the world? How do they limit or define your worldview?

How would you describe your worldview or your point of view?

Who was most influential in helping you to develop your point of view?

Has your outlook or point of view radically changed from the past or in different situations?

Can you give historical examples of when cultures with different points of view came into contact with each other? What happened?

Have you ever tried to understand a position from the perspective of someone you disagree with? What happened?

Do you believe there are "right" and "wrong" ways of approaching a problem? Could there be many different "right" ways? How do we define what's right and wrong?

Chapter Two: It's A New World! So, What Else is New?

Do you believe we live in a unique era? Why or why not?

Can you identify other eras that were revolutionary?

Identify examples of those who embraced change and those who resisted change?

How would you define globalization? Give examples of globalization?

Describe how globalization can be beneficial economically, environmentally and culturally?

Describe how globalization can be harmful economically, environmentally and culturally?

What are the significant factors that determine whether globalization is a harmful or positive force?

Give further examples of cultural integration and cultural conflicts resulting from globalization.

Why might an individual in a developing country believe globalization is an American force that threatens her/his way of life? How would you present another view to that person?

Why might an American believe globalization is an international force that threatens his/her way of life? How would you present another view to that person?

Chapter Three: My Country: Right, Wrong or Irrelevant?

What characteristics define your nation?

What are the limits of national sovereignty?

What forces threaten the autonomy of the nation-state?

Is the global economy the most dominant part of globalization?

Are there bad guys in the global economy? If so, who are they?

What rights and duties do corporations have? Should they be loyal to nation-states?

Should nation-states provide special rules for corporations to attract them or prevent them from leaving?

Give further examples of corporations acting beyond borders.

Give further examples of IMF, World Bank and WTO policies that override national policies. Do nation-states remain relevant?

Describe the historical benefits of nationalism.

Give examples of the forces of nationalism fighting back in the face of threats from international groups.

What are the benefits and problems of citizens groups working outside the formal structures of nation-states?

Describe how technology is changing the relationship between citizens and states.

Give further examples of positive and negative uses of communications technology.

Do you believe that your country deserves loyalty whether it is right or wrong? If not, what should citizens do when they believe their country is wrong?

Chapter Four: A Foundation for World Citizenship

How do you identify yourself? How many different ways can you identify yourself?

How do others define you?

Are you comfortable with multiple identities?

What does it mean to be national citizen? What are your rights and duties?

What does it mean to be a world citizen? How do you define world citizenship?

Does world citizenship lessen your identity and your connection to your nation-state? Why or why not?

Can you respond to globalization without acting as a world citizen?

Draw your own circle of attachments. Can you think of ways to extend the circle?

Can you identify thinkers who believed in world citizenship or universal rights and duties?

What do you believe is the most significant objection to world citizenship? Why? Is there a way to overcome this challenge?

Can you identify examples of cases in which a person can act as both a world citizen and a national citizen?

Are we all world citizens or do we have to choose world citizenship?

Describe potential rights and duties world citizens have.

Chapter Five: Globalization and World Citizenship After September 11

How did September 11 change your view of the world?

Did September 11 weaken globalization? If so, how?

Comment on and discuss the following: September 11 illustrates both the forces of globalization and the counterattack against globalization.

How was September 11 different from previous and subsequent acts of terrorism? Are there any historic parallels?

What are the key lessons from September 11 for Americans?

Has America regularly acted as a responsible member of the world community? Or is American primarily concerned with protecting its national interests?

Give examples of America acting alone and apart from the world.

Give examples of America working together with the international community toward common goals.

Can you explain why there is such a large difference in how Americans view their country and how America is viewed in Europe or in Muslim nations? How can we as Americans improve our image around the world?

Has the United Nations failed to achieve its vision as outlined in the preamble to the charter? Why or why not?

What reforms can improve the performance of the United Nations?

Does globalization enhance the role of the United Nations or weaken the role of the United Nations?

Describe in detail a program of the United Nations that you previously were unaware of.

Chapter Six: A Global Education: Schooling World Citizens

What is the purpose of education?

Should education emphasize the liberal arts or professional training?

What does it mean to be educated today?

How should education respond to globalization?

Identify specific indications that Americans are not well educated about the world. Is this a major problem?

How can specific subjects like history, literature or even mathematics incorporate global lessons?

Describe the benefits of learning another language? Why do so few students study other languages?

Describe the benefits of study abroad? Why do so few students study abroad?

How can technology facilitate global lessons?

Give examples of ways students can connect with students from other cultures and countries.

Comment and discuss the following: A global education represents the true common ground between advocates of professional degree programs and liberal education.

Chapter Seven: Genetic Roadmaps and Speed Bumps on the Route to World Citizenship

Provide examples of instances in which countries or cultures divided the world into "us" and "them." What were the results?

Identify thinkers, past and present, who have negative views of human nature.

Identity thinkers, past and present, who have positive views of human nature.

Give examples or research that counter the view that we are blank slates at birth. Do innate desires limit our choices? How so?

What role do family and friends play in a child's education?

What can family and friends do to cultivate a child's appreciation for the global?

If demand is high for global lessons, why are educational institutions slow to provide what the public wants and needs?

What are the challenges in the schools that hinder global lessons? How can we overcome them?

Should major media focus more on international events? Why?

Are media designed to serve the public or generate profits? Explain.

What should one do to learn more about international events?

What questions do we need to consider when watching or reading the news?

Can you identify other obstacles to world citizenship? How can we overcome them?

Chapter Eight: Flying Toward the Future

What are the major challenges facing humanity?

Are these local or global challenges? What is the difference between the two?

Identify things you can do to address one of these challenges.

Upon examining the arc of human history, is there room for optimism about the future? Why or why not?

Are the United Nations’ Millennium Goals possible to reach? If so, how can they be fulfilled? If not, why should we bother?

How does globalization relate to the prospect for a peaceful future? Does it hurt or help the prospect for greater peace?

Is there reason to hope for a better future? Explain why or why not?

What will you make of your opportunity to create a better world?