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UW INSER reaches out to high school students in ways to inform them of matters concerning national and international security and global understanding. INSER is partnering with the World Affairs Council of Seattle in some outreach projects. So far, these projects have included inviting students to attend three events during the summer of 2007 and training high school teachers, through the Global Classroom professional development series, through early 2008.
Local schools that have been represented at these events include the following:
Ballard High School
Bertschi School
Bethel High School
Bush School
Central Branch School
Eatonville High School
Greenwood Elementary
Henry Foss High School
Highland Middle School
Holy Names Academy
Hutch School
Klahowya Secondary School
Lakeside School
Lindbergh High School
Mariner High School
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Marysville Pilchuck High School
Nathan Hale High School
Newport High School
Northshore Junior High
Northstar Junior High
Northwest School
Rainier Beach High School
Robinswood High School
Roosevelt High School
Seattle Academy
Seattle Girls School
South Kitsap High School
Shorewood High School
University Prep
Tyee Middle School
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January 29, 2008—“Understanding Islam and Democracy in Turkey” (upcoming)
Turkey is an electoral democracy with elections that are widely judged as free and fair. What are some of the factors that resulted in Freedom House ranking Turkey as only “partly free” in its 2007 Freedom in the World Report? Does the recent election of an Islamic leader as Prime Minister threaten or strengthen Turkish democracy? How have US/Turkish relations changed as a result of Prime Minister Erdogan’s election and Turkey’s involvement in Iraq?
November 7, 2007—“Fueling the Future: Peace or Conflict? The Resurgent Russian Energy Superpower”
This professional development training for teachers examined the geopolitical and national security issues surrounding Russia and its oil reserves and implications for the United States. Resource materials for teachers to use in explaining these complex issues in the classroom are available for download from the World Affairs Council web site.
In the former Soviet Union, fossil fuels are an integral component of economic development and political relations between countries. It is important for students to have an understanding of “pipeline politics,” whereby countries vie for pipelines to flow in directions that serve their interests. These pipeline politics introduce new dangers as the region is at risk of extremism and sectarian movements, such as the one in Chechnya.
October 16, 2007—“Fueling the Future: Peace or Conflict? An Examination of Fossil Fuels, Development, and Conflict with a Special Focus on Nigeria”
This professional development training for teachers examined the numerous direct and indirect ways in which oil has exacerbated conflict in Nigeria and impacted relations with the United States. Resource materials for teachers to use in explaining these complex issues in the classroom are available for download from the World Affairs Council web site.
In an effort to find oil sources outside of the Middle East, the U.S. has increasingly turned to Nigeria. Despite decades of wealth earned from oil sales, Nigeria is still plagued with poverty, inequality, and social turmoil. It is important for students to have an understanding of the issues surrounding African oil politics, both as they apply to development in Africa and to U.S. security and oil trading opportunities in the region.
August 21, 2007—“Financial Services, Technology, and Broad-Based Development in China”
With financial support from INSER, the World Affairs Council of Seattle invited high school students to this international business conference. Attendees heard panel discussions that included two US Congressmen, with one moderated by former Washington State Governor, Gary Locke. Sessions covered global sustainable development, its financing, and inter-country cooperation.
July 20, 2007—“Moroccan Cultural Reception”
With financial support from INSER, the World Affairs Council hosted a Moroccan cultural event that included photography, artwork, and a short film produced by eight visiting Moroccan students who spent 3 weeks in Seattle. Over 75 attendees, including Seattle area high school students, teachers, and host families, had the opportunity to see Seattle through the eyes of the Moroccan students. One student mentioned that she had previously learned about the US only through news reports, and her impression was that Americans “like to make war.” “Now,” she said, “I know that you are peaceful and friendly.”
July 2, 2007—“Choosing China or India: The Future for Trade and Business”
INSER and the World Affairs Council of Seattle collaborated to create an opportunity for high school students to attend this Washington Council on International Trade Conference co-chaired by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. Sessions included a keynote address by Sen. Murray, “A Roadmap for the New Trade Landscape,” and a panel discussion, “Business Outlook—Stories from the Field.” The panel included David Wang (President of Boeing, China), Tay Yoshitani (CEO, Port of Seattle), Raj Shah (CEO, Raj Safari apparel), John Wecker (Policy Director, Immunization Program, PATH), and Herman Uscategui (Director of International Business Development, Starbucks Coffee Company). Approximately 250 people attended the conference.
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