Introduces a series of articles which emphasize the diversity and unity of the Pacific Rim nations. Examines the interests of the United States, USSR, Japan, and China in this part of the world and discusses how teachers might organize lessons on this region. States that the articles present a variety of ways of seeing the emerging Pacific. (GEA)

Discusses the new Pacific dominance in world affairs and the many economic and human "bridges" to the Pacific Rim. (GEA)

Discusses cultural diversity and national unity in Indonesia, a country with a population of 165 million people from over 300 ethnic groups. Examines the philosophical basis of the Indonesian way of life and the country's national symbol of unity, "Bhineka Tunggal Ika," which means "unity in diversity." (GEA)

Presents a conversation among a teacher from Shanghai, China, and two professors from the University of Victoria, Canada, on the topic of life in China. Subjects discussed include the importance of traditional values and food in Chinese life and of maintaining them in the face of overcrowded cities, pollution, and other problems of the modern…

Discusses the dramatic recovery of Hiroshima, Japan, since its destruction in 1945. Explores the city's diversity and its development into one of Japan's leading industrial centers. (GEA)

Discusses Australia's growth since European settlement and its development into a major world trader in industrial and high technology raw materials. Examines the country's expanding relations with New Zealand and other Pacific states which is the outgrowth of the realization that all will gain from greater international cooperation. (GEA)

Briefly discusses how the Korean culture has remained intact despite influence from the Chinese and examines Korean Confucianism, the country's central cultural element. States that the Korean people are uninformed about other Pacific Rim countries but that educators are developing new social studies curricula to acquaint students with the region.…

Contends that the growing political and emotional split between the United States and Japan, the Pacific's two most powerful nations, may sever the unity of the Pacific Rim. Presents statistics, such as literacy and population growth rates, as well as economic data for thirteen Pacific Rim nations. (GEA)

Describes three trends that are thought to be important in shaping the Pacific Rim and discusses the significance of each. The first is the continuing economic and military influence of the United States in the region; the second is the increasingly dynamic Japanese expansion; and the third trend is the diffusion of Chinese people throughout the…

States that international trade is a prime factor linking the Pacific Rim nations. Discusses the differences in each nation's productive factors (land, labor, capital) and examines the emerging technological competition. Concludes that if U.S. firms cannot meet the challenge of foreign competition, then protectionism might limit further economic…

Identifies the developing nations of the Pacific Rim to be the Philippines, Indonesia, and 21 small states such as Fiji and Papua, New Guinea. Discusses the political and economic factors which both hinder and aid the governments of these nations. Contends that the region's tremendous potential is unrealized because of economic underdevelopment…

Discusses the three Pacific cultural areas of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia and identifies the differences within and between the groups. States that a regionwide sense of identity has emerged because these small nations have gained independence from colonizing countries and joined regional institutions such as the South Pacific Forum. (GEA)

Discusses the exportation of the U.S. constitutional and governmental system throughout the Pacific region in the years following World War II. Examines apparent failures of the process, such as governments in South Korea and the Philippines, and states that mere adoption of a U.S.-style constitution and government cannot ensure democracy. (GEA)

Discusses the belief system approach to foreign policy analysis which recognizes that individual, national, and international attributes contribute to a group's world-view. Identifies three U.S. belief systems and states that the geopolitical view, which aligns the world into zones of U.S.-USSR influence, has been predominant toward the Pacific…

Describes Canada's status as a "middle power" in world affairs and discusses the country's increasingly active role as a superpower mediator and participant in world economic summits and international organizations. Examines Canada's involvement in the emergent Asia Pacific region and predicts a new role for Canada in international affairs. (GEA)