Conflict & Warfare

Grade Level
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.
Simulation
Drones in Pakistan (NSC)
Set in Spring 2011. The United States has the opportunity to eliminate or capture a senior al-Qaeda leader in Pakistan.
Simulation
Korean War in 1950 (UNSC)
Set in September 1950. Five years after World War II, conflict on the Korean Peninsula threatens the fragile post-war order.
Simulation
Korean War in 1950 (NSC)
Set in September 1950. Five years after World War II, the Korean Peninsula is under threat of falling to a communist regime.
Mini Simulation
Trusting Security Assurances
How should a country under threat by a nuclear-armed power decide its future nuclear plans? Explore this hypothetical simulation.
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
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.

Mini Simulation
A Red Line in Syria in 2013
How should the United States respond to the use of chemical weapons in Syria? Explore this historical simulation set in 2013.
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.

Mini Simulation
Defending Ukraine
How should the United States and its NATO allies respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? Explore this simulation.
Mini Simulation
Deterrence
How should the United States use deterrence to block threats against itself and its allies? Explore this hypothetical simulation.
Mini Simulation
Arms Control
Should the United States use arms control to reduce the threat of a new type of weapon? Explore this hypothetical simulation.
Mini Simulation
Armed Force
Should the United States use armed force to address a conflict in another country? Explore this hypothetical simulation.
Essay and Discussion Questions
Conflict Higher Education Questions

Help students understand the various types, causes, and consequences of conflict through these essay and discussion questions.

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.

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.

Learning Journey
Conflict: Introduction

Explore this collection of learning resources to understand the various types, causes, and consequences of conflict.