The United Nations and Threats from Weapons of Mass Destruction

Overview

This lessons will explore the role of the United Nations peacekeeping and peacemaking abilities; discuss the types and effects of weapons of mass destruction and examine just what the threats are. Students will demonstrate their understanding of these threats by knowing the options the United Nations has to reduce or eliminate these threats and evaluate what the United Nations as an international organization (designed to "maintain international peace and security" and "to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest" United Nations Charter) can and should do to reduce these threats. Alternatives to United Nations action will also be discussed with the opportunity for students to present a variety of options.

Objectives

Students will have the opportunity to practice or apply the following:

• Identify relevant factual materials
• Note cause and effect relationships
• Draw inference from factual materials
• Predict likely outcomes based on factual information
• Restate major ideas of a complex topic in concise forms
• Form opinion based on critical examination of relevant information
• Communicate orally and in writing
• Determine whether or not the information is pertinent to the topic
• Identify a situation in which a decision is required
• Secure needed factual information relevant to making the decision
• Identify alternative courses of action and predict likely consequences of each
• Select an appropriate strategy to solve a problem
• Self monitor one's thinking process

  Standards List

  From the National Council for the Social Studies:
  Curriculum Standards for Social Studies:
  

• Individual Development & Identity: Provide for the study of individual development and identity
• Power, Authority & Governance: Provide for the study of how people create and change structures of power, authority, and governance
• Science, Technology & Society: Provide for the study of relationships among science, technology and society
• Global Connections: Provide for the study of global connections and interdependence
• Civic Ideals and Practices: Provide for the study of the ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship in a democratic republic Language Arts:
• Demonstrate competence in the general skills and strategies of persuasive writing and speaking
• Gathers and uses information for research purposes Technology:
• Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs
• Demonstrates the ability to use the Internet as an appropriate resource

  Grade Level: 11-12 and AP courses

  Tools and Materials
  Paper and Pen
  Foreign Policy Analyst Assignment section of this lesson
  Resource section of this lesson
  Access to the Internet
  

  Time Needed:
  Two to three class periods

  Teaching Strategies - Activities:
  

• Write the term "Weapons of Mass Destruction" on the board. Have the students list the types of weapons that can be classified as such weapons. (see Resources). Ask them to list what countries have what types of weapons and what are the treats posed by each type of weapon.
• Divide class into groups and assign each group a type of weapon to research, i.e. what the weapon is, impact if used, who has them and how can one be protected against their use.
• Have students report their findings. Discuss: What role does the United Nations play in the attempt to control weapons of mass destruction. What specific treaties have been implemented to do just that?
• Discuss: what are the potential dangers if terrorist groups acquire weapons of mass destruction?
• Introduce the problem: Should all countries having weapons of mass destruction be required (forced) to eliminate these weapons under United Nations supervision?
• Explain: each student will become a foreign policy analyst for one of the 15 Security Council members and will be providing advice regarding the above question. (Check the resource list for information on Security Council members). Hand out Foreign Policy Analyst sheet. (Depending on the size of class possibly two students will work with each country; however, if possible two definitely should be assigned to the five permanent members).
• Research time for students to prepare the recommendations and policy analysis. It will be important to research previous actions by the United Nations Security Council (check Resources).
• Each student will present their policy recommendations for their specific country. (A reminder: different countries will have different points of view depending which country they are).
• After each Analyst has presented their recommendations, the class will then debate which position the Security Council must take. At the end of debate have the "Security Council" vote on a plan of action.
• Have students send an email to the Security Council country they "represent" with their analysis, reasons, justifications and recommendations for the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction by all countries who currently have such weapons.

  Extensions/Adaptations:
  

• Using the Guide to Government on this site have students write a letter to their U.S. Congressperson and Senators or local government officials expressing their concerns regarding weapons of mass destruction.
• Search the Washington Week transcript section of this site for information regarding the role of the United Nations before and after the United States military action in Iraq. Discuss any lasting effects, if any, the events may have on the future of the United Nations as an international body.
• Often terrorists can find haven in "failed" nations states where factors such as lack of education and health care and the treatment of women have led to instability. Discuss the role of the United Nations in such regions and the collaborative international efforts to reduce terrorism, resolve conflicts and assist "failed" nations.

  Resources:
  UNITED NATIONS:
  The United Nations: An Introduction for Students (www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/index.html)
  About the United Nations (www.un.org/aboutun/index.html)
  The UN in Brief (www.un.org/Overview/brief.html)
  Image and Reality-Questions and Answers about the UN (www.un.org/geninfo/ir/leftcont.htm)
  Basic Facts About the United Nations (www.un.org/aboutun/basicfacts/index.html)
  History of the United Nations (www.un.org/aboutun/history.htm)
  United Nations Peacekeeping (www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/home.shtml) Department of Political Affairs (www.un.org/Depts/dpa/docs/peacemak.htm)
  Disarmament Department (http://disarmament.un.org)
  Permanent Missions to the United Nations (www.un.int/index-en/webs.html)
  Security Council (www.un.org/Docs/scinfo.html)
  United States Mission to the United Nations (www.un.int/usa/)
  Iraqi Mission to the United Nations (www.iraqi-mission.org )
  UN Fighting Terrorism (www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/1373/menu.htm)
  

  WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION:
  Weapons of Mass Destruction (http://disarmament.un.org/wmd/)
  

  About the Author: Christine A. Allen is currently an Educational Consultant & Curriculum Developer (Allen Educational Consultations, LLC, Salem, Oregon). She was a high school social studies teacher for 32 years. Ms Allen is an active member of the National Council for the Social Studies, currently serving on NCSS Revitalizing Citizenship Task Force as the Web site Chair.

  
  

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