Point-Counterpoint:
Controversial Arguments in World Politics

The following pages present clashing views on controversial issues in world politics.  As world citizens we all have the responsibility to study thoroughly any issue that deals with the future of humanity.  All perspectives that are presented on the following pages make critical assumptions

about the nature of human beings and the nature of world affairs.  All views promote a particular worldview (Weltanschauung).  In order to positively contribute to a consensus for the path of humanity's future we should be careful to understand all sides of the debate. 

Issue set 1 | Issue set 2 | Issue set 3 | Issue set 4 | Issue set 5 | Issue set 6

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident. - Arthur Schopenhauer

Issue Set 1:
Values and International Relations

• What role should ethics and morality play in the conduct of life among nations?
• Can normative values guide the making of foreign policy?
• Can we achieve a global consensus on a more peaceful conduct in inter-national life?
• Should Morality and Human Rights Strongly Influence Foreign Policy Making?
• Are United Nations Policies to Control World Population Growth Objectionable?
• Is Self-Determination a Right of All Nationalities?
• Are U.S. Efforts to Promote Human Rights Culturally Biased and Self-Serving?

No force is as great as an idea whose time has come

-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Issue Set 2:
The Politics of International Security

• How can we avoid war? How can we build peace?
• Should a Permanent UN Military Force Be Established?
• Should the United States Forcefully Oppose North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Program?
• Is it Time to Terminate the CIA?
• Does the World Have to Have Nuclear Weapons at All?
• Can Security be Achieved Through Collective Action?

I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask: "Mother, what was war?"

-Eve Merriam

Issue Set 3:
Arms Control and Disarmament

• How many weapons to we need to defend freedom and liberty?
• Do we need any?
• Wouldn't this world be a safer place when we decreased armaments levels to a minimum?
• Imagine how much money could be used for education and health care if we converted all swords into plowshares!
• Should We Abolish All Nuclear Weapons?
• Is the Stockpile Stewardship and Management Program a Waste of Money or the Price We Have to Pay For Peace to Prevail?
• Does the Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Violate the Security Interests of the United States?
• Does the United States Need a Nationwide Missile Defense System?

Tyrants always support themselves with standing armies!

-Samuel Webster
1777

Issue Set 4:
International Law and Organizations

• What Role Should International Organizations Play in Today's World? Should Nations Abide to Standards of International Law?
• Does Strengthening International Law Violate the Sovereignty of Nations?
• Can Security be Achieved Through Collective Action?
• Should a Permanent UN Military Force Be Established?
• Should We Establish a Permanent International Criminal Court?

Don't become your brother's keeper, be your brother's brother.

-Jesse Jackson

Issue Set 5:
The Politics of World Economics

• The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer. Is it feasible to think globally about things such as socioeconomic justice?
• Should the Wealthier Nations Increase Their Aid to Poorer Nations?
• Is Free Trade a Desirable International Goal?
• Does the International Monetary Fund Exploit the Poor or is it a Helpful Organization for Economic Development?
• Does Immigration Strain Society's Resources?

Don't become your brother's keeper, be your brother's brother.

-Jesse Jackson

Issue Set 6:
Regional and Current Issues

• Has the World Become a More Dangerous Place Since the End of the Cold War?
• Should the West Give Massive Foreign Aid to Russia?
• Should the United States Abandon Its Superpower Role?
• Is Islamic Fundamentalism a Threat to Political Stability?
• Will China Become an Asian Superpower?
• Is Africa Heading Toward Disaster?

It is possible to live in peace.

Mahatma Gandhi