Reading Reaction Chapter 36. One Small Planet

  1. What is the problem with the idea of the nation state as discussed by Arnold Toynbee?

  2. What were some of  the ideas underlying the formation of the United Nations? What were the three main purposes?

  3. Describe the evolution of the UN. What are its strengths and weaknesses?

  4. What are middle powers and why are they significant? What accompanied the rise of the multipolar political system?

  5. Describe the history of the Nuclear non proliferation Treaty. Why did it not succeed?

  6. What were some of the fears relating to population, economics and environment expressed in the 1960's through 1990's?

  7. Describe the increase and subsequent decrease in human population growth rates. Why do some find a cause for optimism regarding the size of the human population of the earth?

  8. Describe the dissatisfaction with the global economic system in Asia, Africa and Latin America after the 1960's and even 1950's

  9. How did the OPEC oil embargo of 1973-74 change ideas about economic interdepence?

  10. Why wouldn't the US sign the Law of the Sea treaty?

  11. Describe the recurring international debt crisis

  12. In what ways is AIDS affecting the poor nations of the world and particularly of sub Saharan Africa disproportionately.

  13. Describe the rise of multinational corporations.

  14. What is the debate over the impact of multinational corporations on the Third World?

  15. Describe the secular ideologies of the late 20th Century.

  16. Describe the pattern of resurgence in fundamentalism in Christianity, Islam, JudaismHinduism and Buddhism.

  17. What criticisms were leveled at Mother Teresa? Why?

  18. Describe the rise of "new age" mysticism in the late 20th century. Why do your authors think it is increasing? What do you think?

  19. REad the section on the Brandt Commission on 1170. Do you think the members of this commission would support steps toward a world government? Why or why not?