Option theme 1: The United States and the world: managing challenges

Students consider the unique geopolitical hegemonic position of the United States after the Second World War, and explore issues that arise from the management of challenges to this position. Students evaluate the short- and long‑term effectiveness of the national responses to these challenges, both at home and abroad. They evaluate apparent and implied reasons for the foreign‑policy decisions of the United States, and the implications of these in diverse contexts. Students analyse Australia’s changing relationship with the United States.

The inquiry questions are:

1. Is the United States the undisputed global hegemonic power?
2. Is global harmony the sole aim of United States foreign policy?
3. Has the United States overcome external and internal challenges?
4. Does Australia benefit from its relationships with the United States?

In addressing inquiry question 1: ‘Is the United States the undisputed global hegemonic power?’, students may consider:

• political, economic, and geographic components of power
• soft power as a form of imperialism
• bilateral and multilateral agreements
• domestic events that affect the global positioning of the United States.

Students consider areas of American hegemonic status by reviewing the claim that America is the undisputed geopolitical leader in all areas. Students analyse past and current challenges, against the background of an ever‑changing international stage. They evaluate the claim that soft power is another form of imperialism and explore its dimensions such as language, pop culture, entertainment, and sport. Students consider the roles of selected bilateral and multilateral agreements in supporting America’s dominance in such areas as trade and defence. In addition, students reflect on the impact that national disputes, internal criticism, and national personalities have on America’s international image.

In addressing inquiry question 2: ‘Is global harmony the sole aim of United States foreign policy?’, students may consider:

• foreign policy and its evolution
• the concept of ‘a force for good in the modern world’
• the United States as a global police force
• international perspectives on foreign policy.

In this question, students consider America’s management of post‑Second World War foreign policy, and the factors driving policy change. Students reflect on the areas of comparative successes and failures in a range of geographic, economic, and ideological areas and evaluate the reasons for America’s intervention. Using a diversity of examples, students analyse whether American foreign policy benefits individual countries or regions and/or the global community. Students evaluate whether America has a role to play as an enforcer of global justice, and whether it is a compassionate international friend or is driven by self‑interest.

In addressing question 3: ‘Has the United States overcome external and internal challenges?’, students may consider:

• the changing dimensions of current international challenges and alliances
• international threats, both real and perceived
• domestic social issues affecting international cooperation
• Congress as an enabler of internal progress.

Students consider how the United States addresses the problems associated with shifting geopolitical alliances, in a globalised world in which rapid technological change makes for increasing uncertainty. Students review international examples and impacts in which past foes have become current allies, and assess how the United States faces these challenges. Students critically analyse how the United States deals with a range of domestic, social, and economic challenges that impact upon their hegemonic power. Students gain an appreciation of the powerful role of Congress, and how its nature can challenge progress.

In addressing question 4: ‘Does Australia benefit from its relationships with the United States?’, students may consider:

• the changing international challenges and alliances
• international threats to the relationship
• domestic social issues
• the notion that the United States is our ‘great and powerful friend’.

Students explore the evolution of the changing long-standing relationship between Australia and America, including a reflection on the situation during the Second World War. Students evaluate the nature of contemporary international challenges and relationships from a range of perspectives including security, trade, defence cooperation, and the tyranny of distance (with a focus on the south‑west Pacific). Students review issues linked to the American presence on Australian soil and analyse whether these benefit Australia. They further investigate the policies of the major parties and examine whether or not this relationship is in Australia’s interest. Students also critically analyse the notion that America is our great and powerful friend.