These texts are part of a continuing series on current and historical international issues, placing special emphasis on the importance of educating students in their participatory role as citizens. They evaluate the U.S. relationship with poor countries, particularly the effectiveness of foreign aid, trade benefits, and other economic levers; and question the prospects for exporting the U.S. values of democracy, free enterprise, and human rights. The core of the unit is a framework of three distinct options for U.S. policy toward developing countries. By exploring a wide-ranging spectrum of alternatives, the texts hope students will gain a deeper understanding of the values underlying specific policy recommendations. The background reading is intended to prepare students to thoughtfully consider the complexities of U.S. relations toward the developing world. Part 1 presents an overview of the goals, assumptions, and programs that set the tone of U.S. foreign aid during the Cold War. Part 2 summarizes the critical issues of U.S. development policy. Part 3 examines the country's connections to sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The teacher's resource book includes a five-day lesson plan. (BB)