New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman described the current wave of globalization as "farther, faster, cheaper, and deeper."

Center for Civic Education

Globalization sprang into public consciousness in the late twentieth century. It refers to the global economy and the effects of worldwide economic interdependence on cultures, social relations, and politics.

Center for Civic Education

The United States was traditionally isolationist until World War II and the Cold War. Despite the worldwide involvement of the United States, many Americans are not well-informed about other countries, world affairs, or how the United States is perceived in other parts of the world.

Center for Civic Education

You can make a difference in world affairs. Find out how in today's episode of 60-Second Civics.

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Can ordinary Americans influence foreign policy? You bet!

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The International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, issues advisory opinions at the request of the United Nations. However, the United States accepts the jurisdiction and decisions of the court only on a case-by-case basis.

Center for Civic Education

The United Nations was founded with the assumption that the five permanent members of the Security Council would come together in the face of threats to international order. This hope soon proved illusory, however.

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The United States has a prominent role in the United Nations. The headquarters of the U.N. are in New York, and the U.S. is a permanent member of the security council.

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The United Nations grew from discussions among the Allies during World War II about the need for an international organization to prevent future aggression.

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The League of Nations failed, largely because the United states refused to join, but the United States abandoned its previous isolationism and agreed to join 50 other countries to form the United Nations in 1945.

Center for Civic Education