What goes on outside a country is enormously important for what happens inside. This includes global pandemics and supply chain shortages, as well as less visible phenomena like the buildup of greenhouse gases and the exchange of ideas. Today’s interdependent global economy and geopolitical landscape connect America’s interests more than ever to the actions and interests of other countries.
There is an acute need to prepare students to actively participate as citizens of this country and the world—whether that means casting a ballot, volunteering for a global cause they believe in, or pursuing a career in public policy or foreign service. Americans’ national security and economic prosperity depend on it. It's no secret that educators are on the frontlines of these efforts. At the Council on Foreign Relations, we believe global affairs literacy is a big part of the solution. Let’s dive into why.
What is Global Affairs Literacy?
Global affairs literacy is the ability to understand and engage effectively in today’s interconnected world. It consists of three pillars: knowledge, skills, and perspective.
Knowledge refers to having a foundational understanding of the issues, forces, and actors that shape today’s world. Students who are literate in global affairs will understand that:
- the world is increasingly connected and what happens in distant places often affects Americans’ everyday lives;
- the actions and reactions of the people and government leaders in countries across the world shape global affairs;
- global policy is formed through collaborative processes that engage diverse and sometimes competing interests, values, and perspectives;
- history, geography, economics, politics, geopolitics, and culture shape the world;
- global affairs knowledge encompasses topics including, but not limited to: contemporary global issues, forms of government, the relationship between domestic and foreign policy, the approaches and tools of foreign policy, and international institutions and global governance.
Skills refer to the ability to comprehend, communicate, and address complex international challenges collaboratively and effectively. Students who are literate in global affairs will be able to:
- identify key global actors, policies, and issues, and explain their impact on global politics and events;
- effectively read, write, speak, and listen about global challenges and opportunities;
- communicate diverse positions and perspectives that populate today’s world;
- use knowledge about global affairs to recognize and predict the impacts of a government’s actions;
- analyze the historical, geographic, and political context behind global events and issues; and
- collaborate with others to formulate practical responses to global challenges.
Perspective refers to an understanding of and respect for differing viewpoints and priorities. Students who are literate in global affairs will be able to:
- identify nuances in global issues;
- understand global affairs from the point of view of others;
- comprehend the global affairs policymaking process;
- recognize how local, regional, and national policies affect global affairs and lives around the world; and
- appreciate that they are part of a global community with a shared future.
A Global Problem Requires a Global Solution
Students today often walk into classrooms armed with "facts" or questions gleaned from online sources. Whether they are talking about a trending hashtag like #WWIII or defending their favorite creator's video explaining why tariffs aren’t a tax, the ease at which misinformation online is taken as truth highlights a significant and concerning gap in students' understanding of global affairs and the real-world implications of the information they encounter online.
The ability to separate fact from fiction is an important building block of global affairs literacy. Students must also be able to discuss what they’ve learned and engage in informed conversations, especially when peers hold a different opinion. In a time when algorithms keep people in their own echo chambers, the ability to communicate about global affairs is just as important as the ability to respect differing viewpoints and priorities.
What can the education community do to ensure students can not only assess this digital water hose of information but also maintain a healthy level of respect for those who possess different opinions about important issues?
Global affairs literacy must be taught in the classroom.
Relying on CFR Education to Close the Global Affairs Literacy Gap
Educators and students cannot and should not be expected to be experts on every global issue, especially at the rate at which our world changes. That’s where CFR Education comes in. We aim to close the global affairs literacy gap by providing free, nonpartisan resources to help middle, high school, and higher education students gain the knowledge, skills, and perspective required to navigate today’s interconnected world.
From videos that explain the history of tariffs and readings that explain how humans cause climate change and simulations that put students in the shoes of decision makers, CFR Education helps students engage with today’s most pressing global issues.
Citizens who are literate in global affairs have the essential knowledge and skills to compete in a global workforce, advocate for effective policies, and vote for public officials who support those policies. Every informed citizen can make a positive difference. The sum of the parts is greater than the whole. A globally literate citizenry strengthens democracy, national security, and economic prosperity by identifying and embracing accurate information and diminishing disinformation and polarization.
Investing in global affairs literacy means investing in students’ futures. It leads to greater security and prosperity both for individuals and our nation at large. How will you ensure your students are globally affairs literate?