Conflict & Warfare

Mini Simulation
U.S. Arctic Policy
Should the United States launch a new Arctic policy in response to climate change and investments from countries like China and Russia in the region? Explore this simulation.
Mini Simulation
A Threat to Taiwan
If China decides to attack Taiwan, how should the United States respond? Explore this simulation.
Mini Simulation
Negotiating Ukrainian Security in 1993
How should the United States manage dismantling Ukraine's nuclear arsenal while safeguarding against renewed conflict in Europe? Explore this historical simulation set in 1993.

High School

Essay and Discussion Questions
Conflict High School Questions
Help students understand the various types, causes, and consequences of conflict through these essay and discussion questions.

Higher Education

Syllabus
POLS 2401: Current Global Issues
Description
Students will learn about the political, social, economic, and cultural forces shaping contemporary global issues such as climate change, conflict, human rights, terrorism and other issues.
Book Guide
The United States–South Korea Alliance: Why It May Fail and Why It Must Not
The U.S.-South Korea alliance has been the cornerstone of bilateral cooperation and the U.S. security presence in the Indo-Pacific region for over seven decades and continues to serve as a model of partnership amid a growing range of challenges. Nevertheless, the rise of exclusive nationalism guided by “America First” or “Korea first” leadership that places national self-interest above alliance-based cooperation on shared challenges represents a point of vulnerability for the relationship. Combined with deepening political polarization in both countries, the cohesion and resilience of the U.S.-South Korea alliance may come under threat. The United States–South Korea Alliance: Why It May Fail and Why It Must Not analyzes the internal and external threats to the alliance. It explores how a weakened U.S.-South Korea alliance could impact the security strategies of both countries and the broader security landscape in Northeast Asia. Additionally, it hypothesizes a future without the U.S.-South Korea alliance, shedding light on its potential impact and implications for U.S. and South Korean security strategies. Based on the analysis, the author concludes by offering valuable recommendations to the United States and South Korea for preserving and sustaining the alliance. This book is suitable for the following disciplines in undergraduate and graduate courses: International Relations East Asian Studies and History Contemporary East Asian Foreign Relations Asian Security
Book Guide
War Made New
In this book, CFR Senior Fellow Max Boot offers a sweeping, epic history that ranges from the defeat of the Spanish Armada to the war on terrorism. War Made New is a provocative new vision of the rise of the modern world through the lens of warfare. Teaching notes by the author.
Book Guide
On Nuclear Terrorism
In this book, CFR Senior Fellow Michael A. Levi examines one of the greatest national security threats of our time—terrorist groups armed with nuclear weapons—and argues that only a broad-based and multi-layered defense can be effective in confronting it. Teaching notes by the author.
Book Guide
War of Necessity, War of Choice
In this book, CFR President Richard N. Haass contrasts the decisions that shaped the conduct of two wars between the United States and Iraq, and writes an authoritative, personal account of how U.S. foreign policy is made. Teaching notes by the author.
Book Guide
Between Threats and War
In this book, CFR Fellow Micah Zenko examines thirty-six discrete military operations carried out by the United States and evaluates U.S. policy choices, recommending ways in which limited military force may be applied in the future. Teaching notes by the author.
Book Guide
Invisible Armies
In this book, CFR Senior Fellow Max Boot offers a comprehensive history of guerrilla warfare and terrorism, and relates lessons of the past to current national security policy considerations. Teaching notes by the author.
Book Guide
Preventive Engagement
As the principal guarantor of international peace and security in an increasingly turbulent world, the United States is at risk of being drawn into potentially costly conflicts that, over time, diminish its power. In Preventive Engagement, Paul Stares offers a new comprehensive strategy for lowering this risk by reducing the demand for U.S. power overseas in the long, medium, and short term.

Learning Journeys for your Students

A learning journey is a student facing, curated collection of resources that explore a topic from a specific perspective.

Learning Journey
Why Did Hamas Attack Israel?

Look back at the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and then take part in the current debate on how to bring an end to the violence.

Learning Journey
Will China Invade Taiwan?

Explore Taiwan’s relationships with the United States and China. Then take part in a national security simulation to help avoid future conflict.

Learning Journey
Conflict: Case Studies

Explore this collection of learning resources to understand recent trends in global conflicts.