Tracking Global Conflict

Learning Objectives

Students will consider major historical and modern day examples of conflict and identify patterns and underlying themes.

Length

30 Minutes

Grade Level

College

High School

(20 Minutes) Global Conflict Activity:
- Direct students to the Global Conflict Tracker.
- Divide the class into groups and assign each group 3 or 4 conflicts that are listed on the tracker. Have groups use the tracker to learn more about their assigned conflicts by taking brief notes on the attached worksheet.
- Students will share information about these various conflicts in order to drive a brief discussion where students will identify common themes and patterns underlying conflict. Share a single world map through an online tool, or project one onto a white board or poster paper. At the location of the conflict, ask students to represent visually a brief overview and the underlying issues. Ideally, whether electronically or on poster paper, this work should be done collaboratively and concurrently. As the map fills up, take a moment to reflect with students on the diverse and widespread nature of conflict.
(10 Minutes) Debrief: After students explore the map, ask them to consider general themes about what causes conflict using the following questions: While these conflicts may all seem quite different on the surface, what core themes exist? What problems or issues are most likely to fuel conflict?