### Class Report: U.S. Foreign Policy Post-Cold War
#### Title: Navigating Unipolarity and Its Challenges
The lesson delved into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy following the Cold War, examining the optimism of the unipolar moment and its subsequent challenges. Students engaged in discussions and activities to understand the effects of pivotal events on America’s global standing and the interplay between U.S. interests and values.
#### Attendance:
– No students explicitly mentioned as absent.
#### Topics Covered:
1. **Review of Previous Class**
– Exponential change in U.S. foreign policy post-Cold War.
– The concept of the unipolar moment.
2. **Understanding the Unipolar Moment**
– Definition and significance of the unipolar moment.
– The impact of 9/11 on U.S. foreign policy and national security.
3. **Contrasts in Foreign Policy**
– The optimism of the 90s vs. the insecurity post-9/11.
– The shift from state adversaries to non-state threats.
4. **Aftermath of 9/11**
– Cultural and policy changes in the U.S.
– The onset of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
5. **Interactive Group Activity**
– Students divided into groups to analyze post-Cold War events.
– Discussion of primary U.S. interests, challenges, and the impact on unipolarity.
6. **Reflection on U.S. Values vs. Interests**
– Comparison of how values and material interests align or diverge.
#### Actionable Items:
– **Further Discussion Needed:**
– Clarify the impact of the Iran-Contra scandal on subsequent U.S. foreign policy.
– Discuss the implications of NATO expansion on U.S.-Russia relations.
– **Student Engagement:**
– Encourage students to provide more examples of how events challenged U.S. unipolarity.
– **Technology:**
– Address connectivity issues for online participants.
#### Homework:
– Students are to write a reflection paper due on Tuesday, focusing on the interplay between U.S. interests and values in the context of a post-Cold War event of their choice.
– Prepare for a quiz on the material covered in the next session.