Tasks: A New Direction for America?

Write down your answers.

1. The United States has a long history of waging war around the world. Mention some of the reasons why the country has been involved in so many wars.

2. How much does the United States spend on defence?

3. Do you think the author of the article is right when they assume that Joe Biden's statement means that the United States will be more reluctant to engage in wars in the future?

4. Why do you think the title of the text ends with a question mark? Why not simply call the text 'A New Direction for America'?

Work in a group and discuss the questions below. Use the internet to look up facts you are unsure of.

1. Today, there are still many countries that have a nuclear arsenal, but we are no longer as afraid of nuclear war as people were during the Cold War. Why is that?

2. What is a superpower? Is the United States the world's only superpower?

3. Norway relies on NATO for its defence. What would happen if the United States no longer wanted to be part of NATO?

4. Why do you think Americans are willing to spend so much money on defence, but unwilling to fund, for example, universal healthcare or free higher education?

5. The article states that there is a reason to be concerned if war provides a business opportunity. Do you agree? Why do wars happen?

6. Is world peace possible?

Study the dialogue cards to familiarise yourself with some of the euphemisms used about war.

Write a short text where you discuss why euphemisms are often used when authorities talk about war. Use examples of euphemisms in your text.

Choose a war that the United States has been engaged in and find out:

1. Why did the war start?

2. Why was the United States involved in the war?

3. How did the war end?

4. What were the consequences of the war?

Present your findings in a group or in class. Use a suitable presentation tool. Remember to include your sources.

Find a poem, short story, novel, or film that has been inspired by a war that the United States has been involved in. Present it in a group or to the class. Explain what may be learnt from the text or the film that you have chosen to present.