About This Lesson
Use the following hypothetical simulation from Model Diplomacy to spark discussion and help students to think through what they would do if they were decision-makers.
Learning Goals
- Students will understand that the breakup of the nuclear-armed Soviet Union posed new challenges to European Security and efforts to limit nuclear proliferation.
- Students will understand that Ukraine’s security concerns about Russia began almost as soon as the country exited the Soviet Union.
The Situation
After the Soviet Union collapsed, Ukraine inherited the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world. Fearing the risks of nuclear proliferation, the United States and Russia alike sought to negotiate Ukraine’s disarmament, but Ukraine wanted guarantees against future Russian aggression in exchange. How should the United States have managed dismantling Ukraine’s Nuclear arsenal while safeguarding against renewed conflict in Europe?
CFR Education simulations invite educators and their students to step into the roles of decision-makers on the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) or UN Security Council (UNSC). Simulations help students develop critical thinking, persuasive speaking and writing, and collaboration skills while giving them hands-on experience grappling with the challenges of addressing today’s most pressing global issues.
CFR Education, the educational arm of the Council on Foreign Relations, helps middle, high school, and higher education students understand and engage with today’s most pressing global issues. With over 700 free, nonpartisan, multimedia teaching and learning resources, CFR Education’s supplemental materials help students gain the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to navigate today’s interconnected world. CFR Education also provides professional development and programming opportunities to support educators as they take on this crucial work.
